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download_and_parse_paper

Download an open-access PDF by supplying a DOI or arXiv ID, resolving legal copies from OpenAlex, Unpaywall, arXiv, and PMC.

Instructions

Download an open-access PDF. Does not create Markdown files.

Accepts a DOI or arXiv id. Resolves legal OA copies via OpenAlex locations, Unpaywall (preprints / accepted manuscripts), arXiv/PMC, and a few curated public URLs (e.g. the Bitcoin whitepaper on bitcoin.org). Does not bypass paywalls: publisher HTML is skipped.

Status values: ok, not_found, no_open_pdf, download_failed, invalid_path.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
identifierYesDOI (`10.xxxx/...` or doi.org URL) or arXiv id (`2301.12345`, `2301.12345v2`, or legacy `cs/0001001`).
target_dirNoWorkspace-relative directory (default `papers`). Paths outside the server cwd are rejected.papers

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
titleNo
statusYes
messageNo
pdf_pathNo
error_codeNo
identifierYes
landing_urlNo
identifier_typeNo
Behavior5/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden and does this well. It discloses important limitations: no Markdown files, does not bypass paywalls, publisher HTML is skipped, and only legal OA sources are used. It also lists possible status values, giving agents a clear picture of expected outcomes.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise, front-loaded with the core purpose, and every sentence adds value. The separation into purpose, limitations, accepted inputs, and status values makes it easy to scan and understand quickly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The description is largely complete for a tool with an output schema and full schema-level parameter documentation. It covers success/failure statuses and critical boundary behaviors. It lacks explicit guidance on what the parse output contains or when to prefer sibling tools, but the output schema and sibling names partially compensate.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already covers 100% of the parameters with detailed descriptions, so the baseline is 3. The description restates DOI/arXiv acceptance but adds little beyond the schema; it does not meaningfully enrich the semantics of target_dir beyond what the schema already specifies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool downloads an open-access PDF and that it does not create Markdown files, which distinguishes it from a generic downloader. It also identifies accepted input types (DOI or arXiv ID). However, the 'parse' aspect from the name is not directly explained, and sibling differentiation is only implicit.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear context: it handles DOI/arXiv identifiers, resolves legal open-access copies, and skips publisher HTML. It does not explicitly say when to use this tool versus extract_sections, search_papers, or get_bibtex, nor does it name alternatives. Usage is implied rather than explicitly guided.

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

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