list_sources

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

Without annotations, the description should disclose behavioral traits. It indicates a read operation (list) and mentions output fields, but lacks details on ordering, caching, or any side effects. Minimal but adequate.

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 conveys all necessary information without redundancy. Every word earns its place.

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?

For a tool with no parameters, no output schema, and simple functionality, the description is complete. It tells the agent exactly what the tool returns: a list of all editorial news sources with trust tier.

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?

With no parameters (0 params), baseline is 4. The description adds meaning beyond the empty schema by specifying the content (all sources with trust tier).

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 it lists all editorial news sources ingested by BCA, with trust tier. The verb 'list' and resource 'sources' are specific, and it naturally distinguishes from sibling tools like list_currencies or list_entities.

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 implication is clear: use this tool to retrieve available news sources and their trust tiers. However, there is no explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance, though the context of sibling list tools makes it unambiguous.

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