create_database

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full responsibility for disclosing behavioral traits. It mentions the database is a child of a page and that schema is set at creation time, but omits important details such as permission requirements, potential side effects, failure modes, or whether the operation is destructive. This is a significant gap for a write operation.

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 two sentences with no redundant information. It front-loads the primary action and then adds a second clause about schema definition. 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?

The tool has moderate complexity with 4 parameters and nested objects, and no output schema. The description covers the core purpose but does not mention return values, prerequisites (e.g., parent page must exist), or error behavior. With no annotations, the description is somewhat minimal, but the schema fills in parameter details. Overall, it is adequate but leaves gaps.

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 input schema provides 100% coverage of all parameters with descriptions. The description adds minimal extra meaning beyond the schema, such as the 'creation time' context for the schema and the 'child of page' relationship for parent_page_id. Baseline of 3 is appropriate since the schema does the heavy lifting.

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 specific action: creating a new Notion database as a child of an existing page. It also highlights the key operation of defining the property schema at creation time, which distinguishes it from sibling tools like create_page (which creates pages) and update_database (which modifies existing databases).

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 clear context for when to use the tool: when you need to create a database under an existing page. It does not explicitly mention alternatives or exclusions, but the context is sufficient to differentiate it from sibling tools. Slight gap: no explicit 'use this instead of X' guidance.

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