mark_notification_read

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

No annotations provided, so description must convey behavior. It indicates a write operation ('mark as read'), but fails to disclose idempotency, side effects (e.g., no change if already read), or return value. Minimal but not misleading.

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?

Single sentence, no filler. Efficient but could be slightly improved by including a hint about required parameters without breaking conciseness.

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 simple operation (mark read) and well-documented schema, description is adequate. However, lacks context about notification scope (must belong to workspace) and success/failure behavior. No contradiction with missing annotations.

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?

Input schema has 100% description coverage for both parameters (workspace_id, id). Description adds no extra meaning beyond schema, meeting baseline but not exceeding.

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 clearly states the tool marks a single notification as read. The word 'single' distinguishes it from sibling 'mark_all_notifications_read'. The verb 'mark' combined with object 'notification' is specific.

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 usage guidance provided. Does not specify when to use this tool over alternatives like 'mark_all_notifications_read' or 'list_notifications'. Agent must infer context from name alone.

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