sync_prices

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses that the tool mutates local cache and depends on an external API, but lacks details on rate limits, error handling, idempotency, or what happens on config failure. The description is minimal, leaving significant behavioral unknowns for an agent.

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 a single sentence that is concise and front-loaded. It conveys the core action and a critical prerequisite with no unnecessary words. Every word earns its place.

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 tool with no parameters and no output schema, the description covers the essential aspects: what it does and what is required. However, it omits details about return values, side effects beyond cache update, and failure modes, which would be useful for an agent in complex scenarios. Still, it is reasonably complete given the tool's simplicity.

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 has zero parameters, so schema_description_coverage is 100%. The baseline for zero parameters is 4, and the description does not need to add parameter info. No additional meaning is required.

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 the action ('Fetch latest stock prices from Finnhub and update local cache'), specifying both the resource and the operation. It distinguishes from siblings like 'show_prices' (which likely displays cached prices) and 'sync_fx_rates' (different asset type).

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 mentions a prerequisite ('Requires finnhub_api_key in ~/.firma/config.json'), which is helpful. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., 'show_prices' for read-only access) or when not to use it. The guidance is implied but not explicit.

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