buy_add_to_cart

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states the basic action without mentioning side effects (e.g., cart mutation), required prior steps, or that quantity defaults to 1 if omitted. The description is insufficient for understanding behavior.

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 extremely concise (7 words) but at the expense of necessary detail. For a tool with 4 parameters and no other documentation, it is under-specified and not appropriately sized.

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 (4 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is incomplete. It omits critical context like default quantity behavior, error conditions, and return values, making it inadequate for correct AI agent usage.

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 description adds no meaning to the parameters beyond the schema structure. It does not explain 'merchant', 'item', 'quantity', or 'price_cents'. Schema coverage is 0%, so the description carries full burden but fails to clarify parameter semantics.

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 action: 'Add an item to the cart at a linked merchant.' It identifies the verb (Add) and resource (item to cart). However, it does not distinguish from sibling tools like 'buy_view_cart' or 'buy_checkout', lacking differentiation.

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 guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., buy_view_cart, buy_checkout). There is no mention of prerequisites such as having a linked merchant or creating a cart first.

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