getCommodityQuotes

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

The description adds behavioral context beyond annotations by specifying quotes are 'up-to-the-minute' and include 'latest prices, changes, and volumes'. This clarifies the real-time nature and data fields, which annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, openWorldHint) do not cover. No contradiction with annotations.

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 two sentences, with the key action in the first sentence and additional context in the second. It is concise, front-loaded, and contains no unnecessary words.

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 provides the core purpose and data types (prices, changes, volumes) but does not explain the 'short' parameter or describe the output format. Given the absence of an output schema, more detail on the response structure would improve completeness. The description meets minimum viability but has clear gaps.

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 single parameter 'short' has a description in the schema, but the tool description does not explain what 'short format' means or how it affects the output. With complete schema coverage, the baseline of 3 applies, but the description adds no additional parameter semantics.

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 it retrieves up-to-the-minute commodity quotes, specifying the resource (commodities) and providing examples (oil, gold, agricultural). It distinguishes itself from sibling quote tools by explicitly targeting commodities, reinforced by the tool name.

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 does not provide any guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as other quote tools or listCommodities. It does not state prerequisites or contexts for use, leaving the agent to infer 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.