monitor_links

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden and does well by disclosing key behavioral traits: it's a setup/creation tool (implies mutation), runs on a schedule with a default frequency, detects specific changes (new broken links, fixed links, health score changes), and returns a monitoring_id for future reference. It doesn't mention permissions, rate limits, or error handling, but covers core behavior adequately.

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 appropriately sized and front-loaded: the first sentence states the core purpose, followed by details on schedule and detection scope, ending with return value. Every sentence adds value with zero waste, making it easy for an agent to parse quickly.

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 tool's moderate complexity (setup of ongoing monitoring), no annotations, 100% schema coverage, and the presence of an output schema (implied by 'Returns a monitoring_id'), the description is complete enough. It explains what the tool does, how it behaves, and the return value, leaving schema details to structured fields.

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 100%, so the schema already fully documents both parameters (url and frequency_hours). The description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond what's in the schema, such as URL format constraints or frequency limits. Baseline 3 is appropriate when 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 tool's purpose with specific verbs ('Sets up ongoing broken-link monitoring') and identifies the resource ('for a website'). It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'check_broken_links' (one-time check) by emphasizing ongoing monitoring on a schedule.

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 this tool (ongoing monitoring vs. one-time checks) and implies alternatives through sibling tool names like 'check_broken_links'. However, it doesn't explicitly state when NOT to use it or directly compare to all siblings.

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