compare_locales

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that it handles both flat and nested keys and that it operates on local files without calling APIs, which is real behavioral context. It does not state that the operation is read-only/non-mutating, nor how results are reported, leaving notable gaps for a zero-annotation tool.

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?

Three short sentences, front-loaded with the core operation, followed by capability and scope constraints. No filler or redundancy.

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 two-parameter tool with no output schema and no annotations, the description covers the essential behaviors (flat/nested support, local-only scope). The main omission is the shape of the comparison result, which an agent would otherwise have to discover at runtime.

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 100%, so both parameters are already documented in the schema. The description's mention of comparing 'vs a base locale' loosely echoes the baseLocale parameter but adds no syntax, matching rules, or default-override detail beyond what the schema states.

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?

Specific verb (Compare) and resource (locale files) plus the exact scope of the comparison (missing/extra keys vs a base locale). It clearly differs from find_empty_translations and list_keys in subject matter, but it never names or contrasts with those siblings, so the differentiation is implied rather than stated.

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 exclusion 'Local locale JSON/YAML files only — does not call translation APIs' usefully rules out one alternative class of tools. However, it gives no guidance on when to pick this over find_empty_translations or list_keys, so the selection rule among siblings is left to inference.

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