fetch_fred_series

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

With no annotations, the description bears full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It mentions return of metadata and observations but omits details on error handling, rate limits, data freshness, or behavior for invalid series IDs. The description is adequate but not 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 concise and front-loaded with the core purpose. Every sentence adds meaningful context, including examples of common series, without extraneous information.

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 FRED time series tool, the description covers what it returns (metadata + observations) and provides example IDs. However, it lacks details on output format, pagination, date handling, and potential errors, which are important for an agent to use it correctly. The absence of an output schema further increases the need for such information.

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 parameters are already documented. The description adds value by listing common series IDs and indicating that the output contains metadata and observations, which enriches understanding beyond the schema's basic descriptions.

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 it fetches a FRED time series by ID and returns metadata and observations. It lists common series, making the tool's purpose unmistakable and distinguishing it from sibling tools like search_fred_series.

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 does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives. While it implies usage for fetching specific series by ID, it offers no guidance on when not to use it (e.g., for searching) or how it compares to sibling tools like search_fred_series.

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