List recent OneDrive files

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

Annotations already declare the tool read-only, idempotent, and non-destructive. The description adds valuable behavior beyond this: results include count and nextLink, default to 25 items, and may include remote items from other drives or SharePoint with an important caveat about remote IDs not resolving against the user's own drive.

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?

Three sentences with no filler, front-loading the core action and output, then providing the default limit and the remote-item caveat. Every sentence contributes necessary information for correct invocation.

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 one-parameter read-only listing tool with no output schema, the description is complete: it states what is returned (items, count, nextLink), the sort order, the default count, and a non-obvious remote-item edge case. An agent has enough to call it correctly without further inference.

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% for the single 'top' parameter, so the schema already documents its meaning, default, and bounds. The description adds context like 'most recent first' and 'defaults to 25 items,' but the latter is already in the schema, so the added parameter-specific value is minimal.

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 uses a specific verb and resource: 'Lists files the signed-in user recently opened or edited.' It clearly distinguishes this from sibling tools like files_search (search-based), files_list_shared (shared items), and files_list_children (folder contents) by focusing on recency and the user's own activity.

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 usage context is implied rather than explicit: the tool is for retrieving recently opened or edited files. However, it does not explicitly state when to prefer this tool over files_list_shared or files_search, nor does it mention any exclusions or alternative conditions.

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