certify_call

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It effectively explains key traits: it calls an external API, generates a signed proof by ArkForge (third-party), includes timestamping and anchoring, and returns verification details. However, it lacks information on error handling, rate limits, or authentication needs for the target API, leaving some gaps in behavioral context.

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 well-structured and front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by usage guidelines, parameter explanations, and return details. Every sentence adds value—no redundancy or fluff—and it efficiently covers necessary information in a compact format.

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 the tool's complexity (external API calls with proof generation), no annotations, and an output schema present, the description is highly complete. It explains the purpose, usage context, parameters, and return values in detail, compensating for the lack of annotations and leveraging the output schema to avoid over-explaining returns. This suffices for effective agent use.

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 adds meaningful semantics for all parameters: target is the 'URL of the upstream API', payload is the 'JSON body to send', method specifies 'HTTP method', description is 'Human-readable description', and agent_identity is an 'Identifier for the calling agent'. This clarifies usage beyond basic schema titles, though it doesn't detail format constraints (e.g., URL validation).

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's purpose: 'Call an external API and get a cryptographic proof of the transaction.' It specifies the verb ('call'), resource ('external API'), and unique outcome ('cryptographic proof'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like get_proof, get_usage, and verify_proof, which focus on retrieving or verifying proofs rather than creating them.

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 explicitly states when to use this tool: 'Use this INSTEAD of calling the API directly when you need an auditable, tamper-evident record of what was sent and received.' This provides clear guidance on the alternative (direct API calls) and the specific context (need for proof), helping the agent choose correctly among siblings.

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