mcp-memory

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It discloses the prerequisite model download requirement, which is useful behavioral context. However, it doesn't mention performance characteristics, rate limits, error conditions, or what 'entities' refers to specifically, leaving gaps for a search operation.

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 extremely concise—two sentences with zero waste. The first sentence states the purpose, and the second provides critical prerequisite information. Every word earns its place, and it's front-loaded with the core functionality.

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 an output schema (which handles return values), no annotations, and low schema coverage, the description is moderately complete. It covers the core purpose and a key prerequisite but lacks details on parameters, error handling, and differentiation from siblings like 'search_nodes', which is needed for full contextual understanding.

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 0%, so the schema provides no parameter documentation. The description mentions 'query' implicitly but doesn't explain what constitutes a valid query or the meaning of 'limit' (e.g., maximum results). It adds minimal semantic value beyond what's inferable from parameter names.

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 performs 'semantic search using vector embeddings' and 'finds entities most similar to the query', which specifies the verb (search/find) and resource (entities). However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling 'search_nodes', leaving some ambiguity about when to use one versus the other.

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 clear context about prerequisites ('Requires the embedding model to be downloaded') and implies usage for similarity-based searches. It doesn't explicitly state when NOT to use it or name alternatives like 'search_nodes', but the semantic focus offers reasonable guidance.

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