Get List

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full behavioral disclosure burden. It only restates the action ('Get a single list by ID') and does not mention read-only guarantees, auth requirements, error behavior (e.g., 404 if not found), or response characteristics beyond what the output schema already defines.

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, front-loaded sentence with no filler. Every word earns its place, and it conveys the core action and scoping as efficiently as possible.

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 simplicity of the tool (one required parameter) and the presence of an output schema, the description is minimally viable. However, it lacks any guidance about when to use this tool versus alternatives, and it does not mention behavior such as error handling or authorization, leaving gaps for an agent deciding among siblings.

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 description coverage is 0%, so the description must add meaning to the 'id' parameter. It does clarify that the id is the identifier of the list ('by ID'), which adds minimal semantic value, but it does not explain format, expectations, or edge cases beyond the string type in the schema.

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 uses a specific verb 'Get' and resource 'single list', and the phrase 'by ID' clearly distinguishes this from sibling get_all_lists (which retrieves multiple lists). An agent can immediately tell what this tool does and how it differs from its closest sibling.

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 implies usage—call this when you have a specific list ID and need that one list—but it does not explicitly state when to use this versus alternatives like get_all_lists. There is no mention of exclusions or alternative tool routing.

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