trace

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

With no annotations and a minimalist description, there is zero disclosure of behavioral traits such as side effects, permissions required, performance impact, or the experimental nature of eBPF. The agent has no awareness of safety or resource implications.

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?

While extremely brief, the description is under-specified for a tool with 5 parameters and multiple options. The single sentence does not front-load key information, and the conciseness comes at the cost of utility.

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?

Given the complexity (5 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is completely inadequate. It fails to explain return values, parameter interactions, or use cases, leaving the agent with insufficient context.

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 input schema covers all 5 parameters with descriptions (100% coverage), so the description adds no extra value. Baseline 3 is appropriate as the schema does the work.

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 'Trace program execution' conveys a generic action and resource but lacks specificity about what aspects of execution are traced (e.g., function calls, system calls), making it vague rather than precise.

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 guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'attach', 'debug', or 'evaluate'. The description does not mention prerequisites, contexts, or exclusions.

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