MCP Server Box

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. The description only states what the tool does ('get') and the return type ('dict'), but doesn't mention whether this is a read-only operation, what permissions are required, error conditions, rate limits, or what happens if the metadata doesn't exist. For a tool with no annotation coverage, this leaves significant behavioral gaps.

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 well-structured with clear sections (purpose, Args, Returns) and uses minimal sentences. The first sentence directly states the purpose, and subsequent sections are organized efficiently. There's no redundant information, though the 'ctx' parameter in Args is unnecessary for the agent's understanding.

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 complexity (2 parameters, no annotations, no output schema), the description is incomplete. It lacks details on authentication needs, error handling, return format specifics beyond 'dict', and how this tool relates to other metadata operations. Without annotations or output schema, the description should provide more context to be fully usable.

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 description coverage is 0%, so the schema provides no parameter descriptions. The description includes an Args section that lists parameters (file_id, template_key) with basic types, but doesn't explain what these IDs represent, where to find them, format requirements, or examples. This adds minimal semantic value beyond the schema's property names.

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 tool's purpose: 'Get the metadata template instance associated with a specific file.' It uses specific verbs ('get') and resources ('metadata template instance', 'file'), making the action clear. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like box_metadata_template_get_by_key_tool or box_metadata_update_instance_on_file_tool, which prevents a score of 5.

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 no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention prerequisites, when this tool is appropriate compared to other metadata tools in the sibling list, or any contextual constraints. The agent receives no usage direction beyond the basic purpose statement.

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