Web Search

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses the dual backend (Brave/SearXNG) and mentions the free tier limit, but omits details on error behavior, pagination, latency, or result structure. Adequate but not rich.

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?

Three short sentences with a clear front-loaded purpose. No wasted words, though the information about API key could be more structurally separated. Still effective and concise.

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 no output schema, the description should explain what 'results' contains (e.g., titles, URLs, snippets) but does not. It also lacks constraints like max count reasons or result ordering. Incomplete for a search tool.

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 coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents both parameters (query and count) with descriptions. The description adds backend context but no additional parameter insight beyond what the schema provides. 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 'Search the web and return results,' specifying a concrete verb and resource. It implicitly differentiates from sibling 'fetch' (which retrieves specific URLs) by focusing on general web search, though not explicitly stated.

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 context on backend choice and recommends setting BRAVE_API_KEY for best results, offering practical guidance. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool over 'fetch' or provide exclusion criteria (e.g., when not to use).

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