search_vault

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

Discloses that results contain user's own saved data and includes a prompt injection warning. States that the tool returns full content of matching results. No annotations provided, so the description carries the full burden and handles it well for a search tool.

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?

Extremely concise: the purpose is front-loaded, important usage notes are given, and the prompt injection warning is included without any wasted words.

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 (3 params, no output schema), the description covers purpose, usage, parameter hints, and return behavior. It lacks explicit info on pagination or error handling, but is sufficient for a search 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 has 100% parameter documentation. The description adds context by explaining when to use different type values (e.g., 'Use "download" to search tweets, YouTube videos, and web links') and provides example queries. This adds real meaning beyond the schema alone.

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 searches the user's personal context vault and lists specific use cases (clipboard, downloads, screenshots, Apple Notes). It distinguishes from sibling tools like sync_notes_now and get_recent_assets by focusing on search, not sync or retrieval.

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?

Provides explicit when-to-use scenarios: 'Call this whenever the user asks about something they copied to their clipboard...files they downloaded, screenshots they took, or Apple Notes.' It does not explicitly state when not to use it, but the context is strong.

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