upload_file

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It adds one meaningful constraint ('max 10MB'), which is helpful, but it does not mention authentication requirements, overwrite behavior, success/failure responses, or any side effects. This is minimal but not severely deficient for a simple upload operation.

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, front-loaded sentence that conveys the core function and a key constraint. It contains zero filler and earns every word.

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 upload operation with a well-documented schema, the description is largely complete. It includes the important size limit, and the purpose is unambiguous. However, since there is no output schema, the description could have mentioned what the tool returns (e.g., the created file object), but this is not critical for an upload operation.

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 input schema already describes all three parameters with full coverage (100%). The description adds no per-parameter details beyond the schema, so the baseline of 3 applies. The 'max 10MB' constraint is a global file size limit, not a parameter-specific semantic.

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 the tool's action ('Upload'), the resource ('a file'), and the target ('Mailchimp file manager'), with a specific constraint ('max 10MB'). It is easily distinguishable from sibling tools like list_files, get_file, and delete_file, which handle different operations on the same resource.

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 clearly implies when to use this tool: when you need to upload a file into the Mailchimp file manager. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusions, but the sibling tool names (list_files, get_file, delete_file, create_file_folder) make the context obvious. This is a clear context with no exclusions, but without explicit 'when not to use' guidance.

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