commodity_price_monitor

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

Discloses return data ('current price and 24-hour change percentage'), tier limitations (free: 5 key commodities, paid: all 31), and real-time nature. No annotations, so description carries full burden and does so thoroughly.

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?

Efficient two-sentence structure: first sentence states purpose and scope, second details return data and tiers. No filler, front-loaded with key information.

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?

Covers purpose, input (none), output (price and change), limitations (tiers), and list of commodities. No output schema, but description sufficiently explains returns. Complete for a zero-parameter tool.

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?

No parameters in schema, so baseline 4. Description adds no param info, which is appropriate since none exist. Schema coverage 100% (empty), so description not required to compensate.

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?

Clearly states 'Monitor real-time commodity prices and price volatility for supply chain cost management' with specific verb 'monitor' and resource 'commodity prices'. Lists categories and 31 commodities, distinguishing it from disruption-focused sibling tools.

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?

Implied usage for cost management, but no explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use compared to sibling 'get_commodity_volatility_alerts', which overlaps in volatility tracking. No guidance on free vs paid tier usage.

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