get_volume

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

No annotations are present, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. However, it does not mention any behavioral traits such as read-only nature, authentication requirements, rate limits, error scenarios, or side effects. The description is minimal.

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 short sentence that efficiently conveys the core purpose. It is front-loaded with the verb and resource. While it could include more detail, it is not verbose and contains no extraneous information.

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 a get operation and rich schema descriptions, the description is adequate but has gaps. It does not explain what 'details' entail or the return structure (no output schema). For a complete context, more information about the response would be beneficial.

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 input schema has 100% description coverage for all three parameters (depth, volume_id, datacenter_id), so the schema already documents parameter meanings. The description adds no additional context or constraints beyond the schema, meeting the baseline of 3.

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 'Get details of a specific volume' clearly states the verb (get) and resource (volume), indicating it retrieves information for a single volume. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'list_volumes' or other 'get_*' tools, which are similar in pattern.

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., list_volumes for multiple volumes, or other get tools for different resources). It only states the function without any context or exclusion criteria.

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