recent_commits

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It usefully clarifies that only the default branch is inspected and that only messages are returned, but it does not mention ordering beyond 'most recent,' pagination, authentication needs, or rate-limit behavior. This is adequate but not richly transparent.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

One short, front-loaded sentence that states the core behavior without filler or redundancy. Every word contributes meaning, making it easy for an agent to parse quickly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple read-only listing tool, the description covers the main action and branch scope, and an output schema exists to describe return values. However, it leaves the limit parameter's semantics completely unaddressed and assumes the agent infers the standard owner/repo relationship, so the context is minimally sufficient rather than complete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, yet the description does not explain any of the three parameters (owner, repo, limit). It adds no meaning beyond the raw property names and default value already present in the input schema, so it fails to compensate for the low schema coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb ('List') and a specific resource ('recent commit messages'), clearly scoping them to 'a repository's default branch.' This distinguishes it from the sibling get_repo, which is about repository metadata rather than commit messages.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies use when recent commit messages are needed, but it provides no explicit guidance about when not to use it or how it compares to the sibling get_repo. It does not include exclusions or alternative recommendations, so usage guidance is only implicit.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.