Get Dashboard Cards

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

Annotations declare readOnlyHint=true, so the safety profile is already known. The description adds the returned fields (position, color, image) and scopes the call to the current user's dashboard, which is modest added value beyond the annotations.

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?

Single sentence, front-loaded with the exact resource and scoping, with no filler. Every element 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 zero-parameter read-only tool with readOnlyHint and openWorldHint annotations, the description adequately conveys the resource being fetched and the key fields returned. It lacks an explicit distinction from the similar get_my_courses sibling, but that does not prevent use for a simple no-arg call.

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?

There are zero parameters, so the schema needs no supplementation; the description's mention of position, color, and image clarifies what the dashboard cards contain. Baseline 4 is appropriate for a parameterless tool.

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?

Description states the specific resource ('dashboard course cards') and the fields returned (position, color, image). It is clear enough to distinguish from generic course listing tools, though it does not explicitly differentiate from the similar sibling get_my_courses.

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?

Provides no guidance on when to choose this over the closely related get_my_courses or other course-listing tools. The context is clear (current user's dashboard), but no exclusions or alternatives are mentioned.

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