latest_signals

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

No annotations provided, so description must disclose behavior. It mentions cost and the x402 protocol on Base, but does not explain failure modes, rate limits, authorization requirements, or output format. The behavioral disclosure is minimal and incomplete for a tool with payment implications.

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 sentences, 16 words total. No fluff, front-loaded with the key benefit ('cheapest entry'). Lacks structured headings but is highly efficient.

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?

No output schema; description does not mention return format, pagination, or error responses. Sibling tools exist but no context for when this tool is appropriate. The description is too brief for an AI agent to understand full usage context.

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 has one 'input' parameter described as 'Free-form input payload' linking to external URL. Description adds no internal semantics; it does not explain the structure or constraints of the input. Schema coverage is 100% but the description provides no additional meaning beyond the schema's bare mention.

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?

Description states tool returns 'latest signals across all categories' and mentions cost and platform. Verb 'get' is implied by 'entry'. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from siblings like 'signal_query' which may also retrieve signals with filters. The purpose is clear but lacks explicit distinction from related tools.

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?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The phrase 'cheapest entry' hints at cost sensitivity but does not state when to prefer this over other signal tools. No when-not or alternative tools are mentioned.

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