search_reddit

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only says 'Browse posts', which implies a read operation but does not state limits, authentication needs, filtering behavior details, or what happens with invalid subreddits. Key non-obvious behaviors are left undisclosed.

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 focused sentence that communicates the core action and the main optional modifier without wasted words. It is front-loaded and easy to scan.

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 five parameters, no annotations, and multiple related sibling tools, the description is minimal. It does not clarify how it differs from 'search_reddit_query', when to use it, or any operational caveats. The output schema helps, but the description alone leaves the agent with limited contextual grounding.

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 100%, and the input schema thoroughly documents parameters including defaults, caps, and allowed values. The description adds only a generic mention of keyword filtering, so it provides no significant value beyond the schema, keeping this at baseline.

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 states a clear verb ('Browse') and resource ('posts from one or more subreddits'), and mentions optional keyword filtering. It is understandable, though it does not explicitly distinguish this tool from the similarly named sibling 'search_reddit_query'.

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 this tool is for browsing posts by subreddit, optionally with keyword filters, but it provides no explicit guidance about when to prefer it over alternatives like 'search_reddit_query'. There is no exclusion or mention of alternative conditions.

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