get_outbound_mail

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

Annotations already mark the tool as read-only/idempotent. The description adds valuable behavioral context: legacy records may contain direct document URLs, while encrypted documents are fetched via a REST endpoint requiring document.read scope. This goes beyond the annotations and helps the agent anticipate authentication and data-format nuances.

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, front-loaded with the main purpose, and the second adds an important caveat about document retrieval. No fluff; every phrase earns its place.

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 description covers the full scope of returned data (including metadata, failure info, photos) and describes the special case for encrypted vs. plaintext documents. Together with the output schema, it is fully complete for this get-by-id 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 coverage is 100% (mail_id is described as UUID of the job to retrieve). The description adds no extra meaning about the parameter itself, so the baseline of 3 applies.

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 clearly states the tool retrieves full details of a single outbound mail job, listing specific fields (recipient, mail class, cost, status, etc.). This distinguishes it from siblings like list_outbound_mail (which lists jobs) and get_inbound_mail (which handles inbound).

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 usage: call this when you need comprehensive details for a specific outbound mail job (by ID). It does not explicitly name alternatives, but the context is clear enough that it is the detail endpoint vs. a list or action tool.

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