Get Customizer settings

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is known. The description adds useful context about where theme mods live and their open-ended contents, but it does not mention return format, empty results, or behavior for block themes that may store config elsewhere. That is a modest but not rich addition over annotations.

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 compact sentences each earn their place: the first defines the verb, resource, and examples; the second adds a valuable routing caveat. No filler 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 simple read with one optional fully-documented parameter and clear annotations, the description is nearly complete. The main gap is no explicit statement of return shape, though 'Read settings' implies a settings object, and there is no output schema requiring elaboration.

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 100% and the single optional site_id parameter is fully documented with default behavior and a pointer to list_sites. The tool description adds no parameter details, but none are needed because the schema already carries the burden.

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 a specific verb ('Read') plus resource ('active theme's Customizer settings / theme mods') and gives concrete examples (logo, colors, layout options). The 'rather than in options' clause also distinguishes it from related option-reading tools, so an agent can tell it apart from get_options/get_site_settings.

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 implies when to prefer this tool by noting classic themes keep configuration here rather than in options, which steers agents away from get_options. It does not explicitly name alternatives or state when not to use it, but the context is clear enough for a read-only settings lookup.

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