add-alert-comment

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the core behavior (adding a comment/timeline entry), but does not mention side effects, ordering, permissions, or whether it is an append operation. Adequate for such a simple action, but thin on extra context.

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?

One concise sentence, front-loaded with the verb, no filler. Perfectly sized for the simple operation.

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 description is sufficient for a simple 2-param tool with no output schema. It explains what the tool does and the parenthetical clarifies the timeline aspect. Lacks a bit of context about return values or side effects, but is not misleading.

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 the description need not duplicate parameter info. The description does not add any meaning beyond the schema properties (alert_id and text), which are already well described.

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 ('Add'), the resource ('a comment'), and the context ('to an alert'), with a helpful parenthetical clarifying 'timeline entry'. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'add-incident-comment' by specifying alert resource.

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 guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., add-incident-comment). There are no prerequisites, exclusions, or contexts provided, leaving the agent to infer usage from the name alone.

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