list_silences

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

With no annotations provided, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It lists output fields but fails to mention that it is a read-only operation, whether it supports filtering (the cluster parameter is undocumented), pagination, or side effects. The lack of any behavioral context beyond output fields is a significant gap.

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 a single, concise sentence that front-loads the action and resource. While it is clear, it could be slightly more structured (e.g., separate the parameter explanation from output fields). No 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 has one optional parameter and an output schema, the description partially covers the output but ignores the input parameter. For a simple list tool, this is minimally adequate but incomplete. The presence of an output schema reduces the need to explain return values, but the parameter gap remains.

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% and the description does not explain the single parameter 'cluster'. The description only lists output fields, leaving the input parameter completely undocumented. Since the schema provides no help, the description should compensate but fails entirely.

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 specifies the verb 'List', the resource 'Alertmanager silences', and enumerates the returned fields (ID, state, matchers, comment, creator, end time). It distinguishes this tool from all siblings, none of which relate to silences.

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 (listing silences) but provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, no prerequisites, and no exclusion criteria. Siblings like list_alerts exist but are distinct; however, no explicit direction is given.

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