get_metadata

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It mentions that results are constrained by Splunk permissions, which is a key behavioral trait. However, it does not cover other aspects like whether the tool is read-only (implied), rate limits, or result ordering. The description is good but could be more thorough.

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 three sentences, well-structured, and front-loaded with the main purpose. Every sentence is informative with 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?

The tool is simple and the description covers the main use case. However, there is no output schema, and the description does not explain what the return value looks like (e.g., format, whether it's a list of strings, count). It could be more complete by describing the output structure.

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 is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add significant new information about parameters beyond what the schema already provides. It mentions 'within a recent time window' but the schema already has time parameters. The schema descriptions are already clear.

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: 'Retrieve distinct metadata values for a given index to aid query construction.' It specifies the resources (hosts, sourcetypes, sources) and distinguishes it from sibling tools that perform other actions like creating or deleting.

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 explicitly says when to use the tool: 'when you need to discover which hosts, sourcetypes, or sources are present in an index within a recent time window.' It provides context for building targeted searches or validating data availability, but does not mention when not to use it or alternative tools.

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