Get time series by vector ID

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the 10-vector limit and the default for latest_n, which is useful. However, it does not explicitly state that the operation is read-only, mention any side effects, rate limits, or error behavior. 'Fetch' implies reading, but the disclosure is minimal.

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 two sentences long, front-loads the core action, and packs a lot of useful info (limit, example, default, parameter options) without any fluff. Every sentence 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?

Given 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description covers the main usage aspects: what a vector is, the limit, the parameter choice, and the default. It does not specify whether start_date and end_date must both be provided together, nor what the response format looks like. However, the description is adequate for a basic data-fetching 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%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds valuable semantics by clarifying the relationship between the date range and latest_n ('Give a date range, or latest_n'), the default value, and the meaning of vector IDs with an example. This goes beyond the individual property descriptions in the schema.

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 the specific verb 'Fetch' and identifies the resource as 'observations' for 'Statistics Canada vector IDs.' It clearly explains what a vector is and distinguishes from sibling tools like get_data_by_coordinate (which uses coordinates) and get_series_info (which provides metadata). The example 'v41690973 = CPI all-items Canada' grounds the purpose concretely.

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 gives clear usage instructions: 'Give a date range, or latest_n most recent periods (default 12).' This tells the agent how to structure the query. It does not explicitly mention when to use this tool over siblings, but the context (vector IDs) is clear enough to guide selection. Lacks explicit exclusions or alternatives.

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