get-user-by-id

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It only restates the action (finding a user) without disclosing behavior such as handling of non-existent users, required permissions, or the effect of the optional 'includes' parameter on the response. For a read operation the risk is low, but the description adds no behavioral context beyond what the name suggests.

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 a single concise sentence, front-loaded with the verb and resource. No wasted words; it is appropriately minimal for a simple lookup tool.

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?

With no output schema and no annotations, the description is minimal but adequate for a straightforward get-by-id operation. It does not mention return format, error behavior, or the optional includes feature, which are not covered elsewhere. However, the tool is simple and the schema covers parameters, so it is not critically incomplete.

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 covers both parameters with descriptions ('ID of user to return' and 'includes parameter'), so baseline is 3. The tool description adds no extra meaning to the parameters; notably, the 'includes' parameter description is vague in the schema, but the description does not compensate.

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 uses a clear verb ('Find') and specifies the resource ('user') and lookup key ('ID'). It distinguishes from sibling list tool 'get-users' by indicating single-user retrieval. No ambiguity with 'get-group-by-id' as the resource is explicitly 'user'.

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?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives. Usage is implied by the name and required userID parameter, but the description does not mention list alternative 'get-users' or when to include optional 'includes' parameter. There are no exclusions or alternative tool references.

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