ds_list_rules

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden, and it does disclose genuinely useful behavior: the result is a best-effort list of delayed rules only, the static rule base is not exposed by PRC, and the 'note' field documents that limitation. That is real context about result completeness. It still omits permissions needed and whether results are paginated or ordered.

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 sentences with no filler. The core action is front-loaded, and the second sentence carries the one piece of caveat information the caller actually needs. Every clause 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 zero-argument, read-only listing tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description covers purpose, scope, and the key limitation on returned data. Only minor gaps remain (permissions, ordering, how to read the 'note' field in practice).

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 tool takes zero parameters, so the schema is complete by definition and there is nothing for the description to disambiguate. Baseline 4 applies for a no-argument tool.

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?

States a specific verb and resource: 'List iRODS rules visible to the caller'. This clearly separates it from ds_get_rule_definition (single rule), ds_execute_rule (run a rule), and ds_list_policies (policies, not rules). It does not explicitly name those siblings, so it stops short of a 5.

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?

'List ... visible to the caller' implies enumeration and caller scoping, which is enough to infer when to reach for it. However, it never states when to prefer this over ds_get_rule_definition or ds_list_policies, and gives no prerequisites or exclusions. Usage is implied rather than guided.

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