list_nodes

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the burden of disclosing behavioral traits. It provides basic information about the output (status and capacity info) but omits important behaviors such as how the optional cluster_alias parameter affects the operation, whether any authentication is required, or if results are paginated. This leaves significant ambiguity for the agent.

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, efficient sentence that communicates the core purpose. It is well-structured and front-loaded, but could arguably include a brief mention of the cluster_alias parameter without becoming verbose.

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 simplicity and the presence of an output schema, the description covers the primary return content but remains incomplete because it fails to explain the behavior of the optional parameter. It also lacks any mention of prerequisites or side effects. The missing parameter semantics create a notable gap in overall context.

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. However, it does not mention the cluster_alias parameter at all. The parameter name alone provides only a hint, leaving its effect (selecting which cluster to list nodes from) undocumented in both the schema and description. The description adds no value to parameter understanding.

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 function: 'List all nodes in the cluster with status and capacity info.' It uses a specific verb ('list') and resource ('nodes'), and distinguishes itself from siblings like get_node (which retrieves a single node) and top_nodes (which focuses on resource usage).

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?

No explicit guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention any exclusions, preferred scenarios, or related tools such as get_node for targeted queries. The only implied context is from the action of listing, but this is not elaborated.

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