get_catalog

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

No annotations are provided, and the description only states it 'Retrieve's an entry, implying a read-only operation. It fails to disclose behaviors such as error handling (e.g., for invalid IDs), rate limits, or required permissions, which are critical for an agent without annotation supplementation.

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?

The description is a single, clear sentence with no redundant words. It is front-loaded with the key information (verb, resource, identifier) and avoids unnecessary detail.

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?

Given the absence of output schema and annotations, the description is too sparse. It does not describe the return structure, error responses, or any edge cases like missing catalogs, leaving the agent underinformed for a complete invocation decision.

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?

With 0% schema description coverage, the description must compensate but only adds the phrase 'unique ID,' giving minimal context about the id parameter's semantics. It does not specify format, constraints, or examples beyond the schema's minLength:1.

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 clearly states the verb 'Retrieve' and the resource 'a D-Tools SI product catalog entry' along with the identifier method 'by its unique ID.' This distinguishes it from siblings like list_catalogs (list all) and search_products (search by criteria).

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like list_catalogs or search_products. There is no mention of prerequisites or context-dependent usage, leaving the agent to infer from the name and parameters alone.

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