search

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It adds a clear return contract ('Returns ranked title/url/snippet lines'), a cost/speed trait ('Free, fast'), and a preferred placement relative to fetch_content. It does not mention rate limits, result count, or explicit read-only status, but the stated return format and the nature of a search tool cover the most important behavioral expectations.

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?

Two short, information-dense sentences. The core action is front-loaded ('Web search'), followed by usage guidance and return format. No filler or repetition of schema content.

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?

The tool is complex (13 parameters) and has no output schema and no annotations, but the fully described schema carries the parameter details. The description supplies the missing output contract and the relationship to fetch_content. A few behavioral details such as pagination limits and explicit side-effect-free behavior are left to inference, but nothing critical blocks correct invocation.

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 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds no parameter-level guidance beyond what the schema already provides; it does not elaborate on query construction, domain filters, date bounds, or pagination. All parameter semantics come from the schema descriptions, which are complete enough.

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?

Starts with 'Web search' — a specific verb and resource — and adds 'the default way to ground an answer in current sources.' It also distinguishes itself from the only sibling by saying 'Use before fetch_content when the right page is unknown,' so an agent can tell them apart without opening the schema.

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?

Gives an explicit routing rule: use search before fetch_content when the right page is unknown. This tells the agent both when to use this tool and, by implication, when the sibling is appropriate. The phrase 'default way to ground an answer' further reinforces the usage context.

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