get_meals

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the tool returns meal names, categories, prices, and dietary information. However, it does not mention behavior for invalid canteen IDs, empty results, or any error conditions. Still, for a simple read operation, the transparency is good.

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 approximately 100 words, well-structured with a main statement, bullet points for notes, an Args section, and a return summary. It is front-loaded with the core purpose and contains no unnecessary information.

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 that an output schema exists (context states 'Has output schema: true'), the description completes the picture by stating what is returned. It also includes prerequisite steps (using list_canteens and list_canteen_days). No major gaps remain for this simple tool.

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% (only titles), but the description adds full parameter details: canteen_id is 'The ID of the canteen to query (e.g., 9 for Alte Mensa)', and date is 'The date in YYYY-MM-DD format (e.g., 2026-01-13). If not provided, uses today's date.' This adds significant meaning beyond the schema.

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 'Get all meals available at a specific canteen on a specific date.' It specifies the verb (get), the resource (meals), and the constraints (canteen and date). This distinguishes it from sibling tools list_canteens (lists canteens) and list_canteen_days (lists days with meals).

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 explicit guidance: use list_canteens first to get the canteen ID, and use list_canteen_days to check available dates. It also explains that the date parameter defaults to today. This effectively tells when and how to use the tool.

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