get_youtube_transcript

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool returns a 'Dictionary containing the video transcript and metadata,' which gives some output context, but lacks details on error handling (e.g., invalid URLs, unavailable transcripts), rate limits, authentication needs, or performance characteristics. This is a significant gap for a tool with no annotation coverage.

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 well-structured and concise, with three sentences that efficiently cover purpose, input, and output. Each sentence adds value: the first states the tool's function, the second explains the parameter, and the third describes the return value. There's no redundant or unnecessary information.

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 moderate complexity (single parameter, no annotations, no output schema), the description is minimally adequate. It covers the basic purpose and parameter semantics but lacks usage guidelines, detailed behavioral context, and output specifics. Without annotations or an output schema, more completeness would be beneficial, but it meets a baseline level.

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?

The schema description coverage is 0%, but the description compensates by explaining the parameter 'video_url_or_title' as 'YouTube video URL or video ID.' This adds meaning beyond the schema's generic 'string' type. However, it doesn't provide examples, format details, or constraints, leaving some ambiguity. With one parameter and partial compensation, a baseline 3 is appropriate.

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: 'Get the transcript of a YouTube video.' It specifies the verb ('Get') and resource ('transcript of a YouTube video'), making it easy to understand what the tool does. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from its sibling 'search_youtube_videos' (which likely searches for videos rather than fetching transcripts).

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 guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention the sibling tool 'search_youtube_videos' or clarify scenarios where this tool is appropriate (e.g., after identifying a specific video). There's also no information about prerequisites, such as needing a valid video URL or ID.

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