register_agent

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits itself. It reveals only the ordering constraint ('Call this first') but does not mention side effects, idempotency, error behavior, or any registration limits. This is thin coverage for a tool that creates a session-scoped registration.

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 short sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose and the critical usage instruction. Every word earns its place with no 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 simple registration action with well-documented parameters, the description covers purpose and timing. No output schema exists, but the description does not explain what the tool returns; however, this is a minor gap for a straightforward registration tool, and the overall context is adequate.

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?

The input schema covers all 4 parameters with descriptions and examples, including the optional 'current_task'. The description adds no additional parameter-level meaning, but the schema already provides the necessary semantics, so the baseline of 3 is appropriate.

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 ('Register this agent') and the resource ('with the message board'), making it distinct from sibling tools like send_message or read_messages. It also adds the critical context that this is the first call in a session.

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 explicitly says 'Call this first when starting a session,' providing clear when-to-use guidance. It does not mention alternatives or exclusions, but the instruction is sufficiently directive for the intended use case.

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