pack_context

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose all behavioral traits. It only says it 'builds' a context slice, but doesn't explain side effects (e.g., whether it reads/writes files, creates a file at the path, or truncates context based on maxChars). It offers no detail on permissions, reversibility, or data handling, leaving the agent with little understanding of what will happen.

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 vague sentence. While concise, it's under-specified and doesn't earn its place by conveying substantive information. It's not a tautology, but it's closer to a label than a useful explanation. A concise description should still be informative.

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 tool with three parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is drastically incomplete. It doesn't explain the function's behavior, parameters, return value, or when to use it. An agent cannot reliably invoke this tool correctly based on the provided information.

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 0%, and the description mentions none of the three parameters (task, path, maxChars). It provides no meaning beyond the bare type/default in the schema. The agent gets no explanation of what 'task' is, what default path '.context' means, or how maxChars is used. This is a critical gap.

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 provides a clear verb ('build') and a resource ('context slice'), but it's vague about what a 'context slice' actually is. It doesn't name specific actions or fields, and it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like load_handoff or save_checkpoint. While it's not a tautology, it lacks the specificity to distinguish it from alternatives.

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 given on when to use this tool versus siblings. It doesn't mention prerequisites, scenarios, or exclusion conditions. The description only states what it does, not when to use it, leaving the agent to infer appropriateness.

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