calculate_bom_cost

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

No annotations are present, so the description carries full burden. It only states 'Calculate total cost' without disclosing behavioral traits like whether it uses live prices, any side effects (it likely reads data), or prerequisites. This is insufficient.

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 extremely concise (one sentence), but it sacrifices informativeness. It is not structured for scanning (no bullet points) and lacks examples or clarifications. Balance between conciseness and completeness is not optimal.

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 an output schema, the description does not provide sufficient context about the calculation method, assumptions, or data sources. For a cost calculation tool, more context (e.g., pricing data source, handling of missing prices) would be expected for completeness.

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 coverage is 100%, with each parameter having a description. However, the tool description does not add any extra meaning beyond the schema; for example, it doesn't clarify the expected structure of objects in the 'bom' array or how 'preferred_suppliers' affects cost. Baseline 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 clearly states the tool calculates total cost for a bill of materials, using a specific verb and resource. However, it does not distinguish from sibling tools like estimate_cost or compare_prices, which have overlapping purposes.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as estimate_cost, compare_prices, or supply_chain related tools. The description lacks any when-to-use or when-not-to-use context.

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