profiles

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

The annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=false, so safety is covered. The description adds useful behavioral context beyond the annotations: hidden profiles are omitted and mode indicates read-and-change versus read-only access. It does not cover auth or rate-limit behavior, so it is strong but not complete.

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 three tight sentences with no wasted text. The main purpose is front-loaded, followed by first-call guidance and the sibling alternative. It is appropriately sized for a zero-parameter listing tool.

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?

With an output schema present and read-only/closed-world annotations, the description does not need to explain return values or safety in depth. It still adds essential context: call it first, hidden profiles never show, and use profile for single-profile settings. Nothing needed to call this zero-parameter tool correctly is missing.

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?

The tool takes zero parameters, so there are no parameter semantics to explain; the baseline for zero parameters is 4. The description focuses on return content and usage rather than parameters, which is appropriate here.

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 names a specific verb and resource: list NextDNS profiles this app may use. It states the returned fields (name, ID, mode, default) and distinguishes this tool from the sibling profile tool and from hidden profiles. An agent can identify the tool’s purpose without opening the schema.

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?

It explicitly says to call this tool first to learn the names or IDs other tools take, and directs agents to use profile for a single profile’s settings. It also states that hidden profiles never show, which clarifies expected results. The when-to-use and alternative guidance are explicit.

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