get_course

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden. 'Get' and 'Returns' strongly indicate a read-only operation, which is useful, but the description does not mention error behavior, permissions, or any caveats. This is sufficient for a simple retrieval tool but not richly transparent.

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?

The description is compact and front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by clearly separated Args and Returns sections. Every line adds relevant information and there is 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 one-parameter GET-style tool with an output schema available, the description covers the essential call context: what the tool does, the required parameter, and a concise summary of results. It lacks explicit guidance on related tools or error cases, but nothing critical is missing for selecting and calling the tool.

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 0%, so the description must compensate. It explains course_id as 'The ID of the course to retrieve,' which adds a minimal definition but largely restates the parameter name. It does not explain how to obtain the ID or any format constraints, but the meaning is clear enough for a single simple parameter.

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?

States a specific verb and resource: 'Get detailed information about a specific course.' The word 'specific' clearly differentiates it from the sibling list_courses, and the resource is unambiguous against get_assignment and other 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?

The phrase 'specific course' implies this is for fetching one known course by ID rather than listing all courses, but it does not explicitly name alternatives or state when not to use it. The guidance is present but only implied.

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