mcp-memory

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It adds value by explaining the merge behavior ('merge observations, don't overwrite') and the return action ('Returns the created/updated entities'), which are crucial for understanding the tool's effect. However, it lacks details on permissions, rate limits, error handling, or side effects, which are important for a mutation 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?

The description is highly concise and well-structured, consisting of three sentences that each serve a clear purpose: stating the action, explaining the merge behavior, and describing the return. There is no wasted text, and key information is front-loaded, making it easy to scan and understand quickly.

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's complexity as a mutation operation with no annotations, the description does a decent job by covering the core action, merge behavior, and return. The presence of an output schema reduces the need to detail return values, but additional context on error cases or usage scenarios would enhance completeness. It's adequate but could be more robust for a tool with potential side effects.

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 has 0% description coverage, so the description must compensate. It mentions 'entities' as the parameter but doesn't explain the structure or required fields beyond 'merge observations.' This adds minimal semantic context, as the schema only indicates an array of objects. The description partially helps but doesn't fully clarify what constitutes a valid entity or how merging works in practice.

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 tool's purpose: 'Create or update entities in the knowledge graph.' It specifies the verb ('Create or update'), resource ('entities'), and location ('knowledge graph'), which is specific and actionable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'add_observations' or 'create_relations,' which handle related but distinct operations.

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 implies usage through the phrase 'If an entity already exists, merge observations (don't overwrite),' suggesting this tool is for upsert operations rather than pure creation. However, it doesn't provide explicit guidance on when to use this versus alternatives like 'add_observations' (for adding data to existing entities) or 'delete_entities' (for removal), nor does it mention prerequisites or exclusions, leaving room for ambiguity.

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