get_publications

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden for behavioral disclosure. It notes a read operation ('Fetch') but does not mention pagination behavior, response format, or that it returns a collection. The schema reveals optional pagination and filtering parameters, but the description fails to surface these behaviors, leaving the agent with minimal insights beyond the name.

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 concise sentence with no redundant wording. While it is short, it covers the core action and resource. It could be slightly more informative (e.g., mentioning 'list all' or pagination), but it is not bloated.

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?

Given the tool has optional pagination and catalog type filtering, the description is incomplete. It does not explain that this is a list operation, mention pagination, or clarify that publications are for sales channels. With no output schema and a terse description, the agent lacks critical context for effective invocation.

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%, with clear descriptions for all three parameters ('after', 'first', 'catalogType'). The description adds no additional parameter context beyond the schema, so the baseline score of 3 applies.

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 action ('Fetch') and resource ('publications'), making the basic purpose unambiguous. However, it doesn't explicitly distinguish this plural 'get_publications' from its sibling 'get_publication' or related publication tools, leaving some ambiguity about whether it returns a list or a single entity.

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 description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'get_publication', 'get_publication_products', or 'get_publication_collections'. With a large sibling set, the lack of explicit usage context or exclusions makes it harder for an agent to select this tool correctly.

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