Get User Anime List

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

Annotations already provide readOnlyHint=true, so the agent knows it's read-only. The description adds critical context: the tool only works on public lists and a 403 indicates private/nonexistent user. This goes beyond the structural annotations.

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?

Two sentences, no filler. Every word is functional: states purpose, access condition, shape comparison, and error hint. Highly efficient.

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 list retrieval tool with 5 parameters, no output schema, the description covers purpose, access limitation, error case, and shape. It does not explain return structure but references the sibling tool, which is acceptable.

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 60%, so baseline is 3. The description mentions the paged shape is same as get_my_anime_list, which helps understand pagination but does not directly detail parameter semantics beyond what's in the schema's descriptions.

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 it fetches a page of another user's anime list, specifies 'works only for public lists,' and distinguishes from get_my_anime_list by noting it's for another user. The verb 'Fetch' plus resource 'another MAL user's anime list' is specific and unambiguous.

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 implicitly indicates when to use it to get another user's list and gives a practical hint about 403 errors. It compares to get_my_anime_list for shape but does not explicitly state when not to use or mention alternatives. Still, the context is clear enough.

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