adt_ping

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

No annotations exist, so the description must disclose behavior. It accurately describes the tool as a connectivity test that reports session/role info, implying no destructive side effects. However, it could mention potential errors or timeout behavior, but for a simple ping, this is adequate.

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 concise, front-loaded sentences with no unnecessary words. Every sentence adds value: the first defines the action, the second provides usage guidance.

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 no parameters and no output schema, the description is sufficiently complete. It explains the tool's purpose and when to use it. Minor gap: it doesn't specify the format of the session/role info, but that's acceptable for a connectivity test.

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 zero parameters, so schema coverage is 100%. The description doesn't need to add parameter details. The baseline for zero parameters is 4, and the description meets that.

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: 'Test connectivity' and 'report session/role info'. This is a specific verb+resource combination that distinguishes it from sibling tools like adt_search_objects or adt_read_source, which are about SAP object 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?

Explicit guidance is provided: 'Call this first to verify the MCP server can reach SAP via ADT.' This tells the agent when to use it (as an initial check) and implies it's a prerequisite for other ADT operations.

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