Cancel My Volunteer Signup

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

Annotations already mark it destructive and non-read-only, but the description adds meaningful behavioral detail: it frees the shift slot for others, clarifies that no payment is involved, specifies authorization (volunteer/admin only), and explicitly instructs the agent to confirm with the user before proceeding. This goes far beyond the annotations and provides the agent with critical safety context. No contradiction with annotations.

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 compact and front-loaded, with each sentence serving a distinct purpose: the first states the action and effect, the second removes financial ambiguity, the third specifies authorization, and the fourth delivers the safety warning. There is no filler or redundancy, and the most critical destructive note is placed at the end for emphasis while still being quickly scannable.

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?

For a simple one-parameter tool with annotations covering read-only/destructive/idempotent hints, the description provides ample context: effect on the shift, payment clarity, authorization, and confirmation requirement. It does not explicitly describe the return value, but an output schema exists, so that is not required. It also does not mention idempotency (e.g., behavior on double-cancel), but that is already covered by idempotentHint. Overall, it is almost complete.

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%: the signup_id parameter already has a clear description stating it must come from list_my_volunteer_signups and belong to the caller. The tool description repeats this source but does not add new meaning or details (e.g., format, validation). Per the baseline rule for high schema coverage, a score of 3 is appropriate.

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 specific verb ('cancels'), resource ('volunteer signups'), and scope ('own'), and even references the source of the ID (list_my_volunteer_signups). It clearly distinguishes from sibling tools like cancel_my_event_registration or cancel_my_lunch_order by naming the unique resource. The purpose is unambiguous.

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 gives clear context: it cancels only the authenticated user's own signups, from a specific list, and notes that only the volunteer or an admin can cancel. However, it does not explicitly contrast with related tools (e.g., cancel_my_event_registration) or state when not to use it beyond the ownership scope. There is implied usage guidance, but no explicit exclusions or alternatives are named.

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