idescat.list_nodes

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only says 'browse,' implying a read-only operation, but does not specify whether it requires authentication, is destructive, or has rate limits. The presence of limit/offset hints at pagination but is not explicitly explained in the description.

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 with two sentences. It front-loads the purpose and immediately provides the essential workflow. No unnecessary words or repetition.

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 tool with 4 parameters (including pagination) and an output schema, the description covers the basic purpose and workflow but omits details on pagination behavior, language options, and output structure (though output schema exists). It is adequate for a simple browse tool but lacks completeness for a full 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 description should explain parameters. Only statistics_id is mentioned ('Use a statistics_id...'). The other parameters (lang, limit, offset) are not described at all, leaving the agent to infer their meaning from the schema alone. This is insufficient given the lack of schema 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 the tool's purpose: 'Browse nodes under an IDESCAT statistic.' It specifies the resource (nodes) and verb (browse). It also provides a workflow hint linking to sibling tools (idescat_list_statistics and idescat_list_tables), distinguishing this tool from those that list statistics or tables.

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 gives explicit usage context: 'Use a statistics_id from idescat_list_statistics, then call idescat_list_tables with the returned node_id.' This clearly guides the agent on prerequisites and subsequent steps. It doesn't include exclusions or when-not-to-use, but the flow is well-defined.

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