Plecs Scan

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

readOnlyHint=true already declares this as a safe read, and the description adds the useful operational fact that no PLECS instance is required. It does not disclose what happens when max_hits truncates results, how encoding or binary files are handled, or whether matches include line numbers.

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?

A single tight sentence with the key differentiator front-loaded and nothing that does not earn its place.

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?

An output schema exists, so return values need not be explained, and the operation is simple. Still, for a tool whose parameters are entirely undocumented in schema, the description should have clarified max_hits truncation and ignore_case to be callable with confidence.

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 0%, so the description must carry all parameter meaning, but it only indirectly clarifies 'pattern' as a regex and 'model_path' as an on-disk file. 'max_hits' (default 200) and 'ignore_case' are never mentioned, leaving half the parameters undocumented anywhere.

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 gives a specific verb (regex-search) and resource (a .plecs file on disk), and the clause 'without opening it in PLECS' separates it from model-mutating siblings such as plecs_load and plecs_get. An agent can tell what this tool does and what it does not touch.

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 'without opening it in PLECS' phrase implies the situation where this is preferred (inspecting a file without a live PLECS session), but no explicit alternative is named and there are no exclusions or prerequisites. Use versus plecs_get, plecs_model_tree, or plecs_compare must be inferred.

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