list_devboxes

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

With no annotations provided, the description bears full responsibility for disclosing behavioral traits. It only says 'List devboxes on the account' and does not mention that this is a read-only operation, whether pagination is required, how results are ordered, or any rate limits. The agent is left to infer safety and side effects from the tool name alone.

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 sentence with no fluff, making it concise and front-loaded. However, it is very spartan and lacks additional context, which prevents a perfect score. It is appropriately sized for a simple list tool, but could include one clause about usage or alternatives.

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?

The presence of an output schema and fully described parameters makes the description minimally sufficient for a straightforward list operation. However, it does not address nuances like pagination flow, the meaning of 'account' scope, or how this relates to sibling tools. It is complete enough for simple invocation but not comprehensive.

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?

The schema has 100% description coverage for all three parameters (limit, status, starting_after), so the description adds no parameter-level detail beyond what is already structured. Baseline of 3 applies, and no additional semantic nuance is provided.

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 action ('List') and the resource ('devboxes') with scope 'on the account.' It is easily distinguishable from sibling tools like get_devbox, which fetches a single devbox, and list_snapshots, which lists a different resource.

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 does not mention that this is the tool for listing all devboxes, nor does it exclude cases like fetching a single devbox via get_devbox. No prconditions or exclusions are given.

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