get_subject_mode

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 mentions backward compatibility and performance considerations, which is useful context, but doesn't disclose critical behavioral traits like whether this is a read-only operation, what permissions are required, error handling, or what the output looks like. For a tool with no annotations, this leaves significant gaps.

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 appropriately sized and front-loaded: the first sentence states the purpose, and the second provides critical usage guidance. Every sentence earns its place with no wasted words, making it highly 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?

Given the tool's complexity (3 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is incomplete. It covers purpose and usage alternatives well but lacks parameter explanations, behavioral details, and output information. It's adequate for basic understanding but has clear gaps for effective tool invocation.

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 doesn't explain any of the three parameters (subject, context, registry) beyond what's implied in the alternative resource path. No parameter meanings, formats, or examples are provided, failing to address the coverage gap.

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 with 'Get the operational mode for a specific subject,' which is a specific verb+resource combination. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_mode' or 'update_subject_mode,' which appear related to mode operations, so it doesn't fully distinguish from alternatives.

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 explicit usage guidance by stating 'Consider using the 'subject://{name}/{context}/{subject}/mode' resource instead for better performance,' which clearly advises when not to use this tool and offers a named alternative. This is a strong example of when-not-to-use guidance.

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