get_spans

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

With no annotations present, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It reveals the return contents (input, output, latency) and 'Get' implies a safe read operation, but it does not mention ordering, pagination, errors, or the relationship between project_name and trace_id.

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?

One compact sentence that front-loads the verb and resource and avoids any redundant or filler content. Every word contributes to stating the tool's purpose and return data.

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?

The core purpose is clear for a simple two-parameter getter, but the description leaves project_name's role undefined and gives no guidance on selecting this tool over get_traces/query_traces. It is minimally viable but has notable contextual gaps.

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 covers trace_id with a description, but project_name has no schema description and the tool description does not clarify its role. With only 50% schema coverage, the description needed to compensate but instead adds no parameter meaning beyond the tool name.

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 uses a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('individual spans') and explicitly lists the returned data (input, output, latency). This clearly distinguishes get_spans from sibling tools like get_traces, list_datasets, and list_evaluations by naming a distinct entity type.

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 explicit when-to-use or alternative guidance is given. The phrase 'individual spans' implies span-level retrieval, but the description never contrasts with get_traces or query_traces, so an agent must infer when this tool is the right choice.

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