warranties_expiring

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

Annotations only provide readOnlyHint=true. The description adds substantial behavioral detail: inclusive date range (after <= warrantyExpires <= before), default of after=TODAY, exclusion of expired warranties unless overridden, and lifetime=True ignoring before/after. This goes well beyond the annotation.

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?

Front-loaded with the main purpose. Two paragraphs, every sentence adds value (semantics, defaults, use case). No filler or redundancy.

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?

Output schema exists, so return values are already defined. The description fully explains the tool's core complexity: date window inclusivity, default behavior, and lifetime mode. No missing critical context for a read-only list operation.

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 has 0% description coverage, so the description carries full responsibility. It explains each parameter with ISO date format, boundary comparisons, defaults, and the lifetime flag's behavior, fully compensating for the schema gap.

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 states 'List items whose warranty expires in a date window, or items with a lifetime warranty.' This is a specific verb+resource+scope that clearly distinguishes it from siblings like search_items or get_item, which are more general.

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?

Provides clear context on the date window and lifetime flag, including defaults and ignored parameters. It gives a concrete use case ('which warranties expire this year') but does not explicitly name alternatives or when not to use, so slightly below a 5.

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