get_alternatives

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

Describes behavior: filters same category, excludes reference product, returns top results by rating, includes markdown link. With no annotations, it carries full burden and does so thoroughly.

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?

Well-structured with sections: purpose, BEHAVIOR, USAGE GUIDELINES, EXAMPLE QUERIES. Front-loaded, concise, no wasted words.

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 2-param tool with no output schema, description fully explains return values (name, price, free plan, rating, link) and usage context. Complete.

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 coverage 100% but description adds default limit (5) and max (10), and clarifies slug is the tool to find alternatives for. Adds value beyond schema.

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 finds top verified alternatives to a given software tool within the same category, sorted by rating, and lists return fields. It distinguishes from siblings like compare_tools and get_leaderboard.

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?

Explicit when-to-use guidance with example queries like 'what are alternatives to X?'. Suggests combining with get_pricing for cost comparison. No ambiguity.

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