announcement_get_timeline_status

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

Without annotations, the description should reveal safety and side effects, but it only says 'Get', implying a read operation. It doesn't confirm idempotency, real-time behavior, or that the announcement must be active.

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?

Single sentence, front-loaded with action and object, no unnecessary words. Efficient and to the point.

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 output schema or annotations, the description should clarify what 'timeline status' includes (e.g., state, time, cue index). Without that, an agent cannot fully understand the return value.

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?

No parameters exist, so the description need not add detail. However, it could explicitly state 'No input required' to avoid confusion, but the schema already indicates zero parameters.

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 identifies the resource 'timeline status of the active announcement', clearly distinguishing from sibling announcement tools like 'announcement_focus_active' or 'announcement_get_active'.

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 compared to alternatives such as 'get_timeline_status' or 'focused_timeline_status'. The description does not mention preconditions or alternative choices.

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