list_private_cross_connects

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

The readOnlyHint annotation already covers the safety aspect. The description adds the account-level scope ('in your IONOS CLOUD account') but does not disclose other behavioral traits such as pagination, default depth behavior, or potential large result sets. Some context is added beyond annotations, but not richly.

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, efficient sentence that begins with the verb 'List' and immediately states the resource and scope. Zero wasted words, no redundant detail.

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 tool's simplicity, the readOnlyHint annotation, and full schema descriptions for both parameters, the description is mostly complete. It lacks information about return format or pagination, but for a list operation with optional depth and filters, the provided context is sufficient for an agent to select and invoke it correctly. A slightly fuller description mentioning the result set behavior would push it to 5.

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 provides 100% description coverage for both parameters (depth and filters), including details on nesting depth and contains-match filtering. The tool description itself does not add any parameter-specific semantics, so the baseline of 3 is appropriate.

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 ('List'), the resource ('private cross-connects'), and the scope ('in your IONOS CLOUD account'). It is distinct from sibling tools like get_private_cross_connect, which retrieves a single resource, and other list_* tools for different resource types.

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 implies when to use this tool (when you need to list all private cross-connects in the account) but provides no explicit guidance on when to choose it over alternatives, such as get_private_cross_connect for a single item. No when-not or exclusionary context is given.

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