Algol Nearest Minimum

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

Annotations indicate readOnlyHint=true, destructiveHint=false, idempotentHint=true. The description adds that only a single nearest minimum is returned, and it can be before or after the date. However, it does not clarify behavior when no minimum exists or the role of the optional longitude parameter.

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 short and includes a clear purpose, group, cost, and example. The extra meta lines (group, cost) are somewhat redundant but do not harm conciseness. The core description is efficient.

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 tool has no output schema, so the description should explain return values. It does not. Additionally, the optional longitude parameter is never mentioned. The description is incomplete for a tool with two parameters and no output schema.

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 explain parameters. The description only shows an example with 'date' but does not describe the pattern or the optional 'longitude' parameter at all. This fails to add meaning beyond 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 clearly states the tool 'Find the single nearest Algol brightness minimum before or after a given date.' It specifies a verb (Find), a resource (Algol brightness minimum), and a scope (single nearest, before/after). This distinguishes it from the sibling 'algol_minimum' which likely returns all minima.

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 provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'algol_minimum'. It includes a group label but no comparison or exclusion criteria, leaving an agent to guess.

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