list_author_roles

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

The description adds the behavioral trait of returning distinct (deduplicated) roles, which is useful. The readOnlyHint annotation already covers safety, so no contradiction. However, it does not disclose pagination or search behavior, though those are partially implied by the schema.

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 concise sentence, front-loaded with the key information. It avoids fluff, though it is so brief that it sacrifices potentially useful context.

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?

Despite having an output schema and five parameters, the description offers only a minimal statement. It lacks context on when to use the tool, how pagination/search interact with 'distinct', and any practical examples, making it insufficient for a complex list endpoint.

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%, and the description does not explain how parameters like page, size, sort, search, or unpaged work. The generic parameter names are somewhat self-explanatory, but no additional semantics are provided, failing to compensate for the lack of schema descriptions.

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 'List distinct author roles' clearly states the verb (list) and resource (author roles), and the word 'distinct' indicates it returns unique values. It differentiates from siblings like list_authors or list_author_names by focusing on roles rather than entities, though it doesn't explicitly contrast with alternatives.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus others. The description gives no context about typical use cases (e.g., populating filter dropdowns) or alternatives, leaving the agent to infer usage solely from the name.

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