util_quartile

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must cover behavioral traits. It only says 'calculate quartiles' without disclosing whether the input array is sorted, how edge cases (e.g., empty arrays, non-finite numbers) are handled, or what the return format is. The tool likely sorts internally, but this is not stated.

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 sentence with no wasted words. It is concise and to the point. However, it sacrifices detail for brevity, which may hurt completeness.

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 lack of output schema and annotations, the description should explain what the tool returns (e.g., a single number) and any important behaviors. It fails to do so. Sibling tools like util_average might offer similar functionality, and without more context, the agent cannot fully understand the tool's role.

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 description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds no new meaning beyond the schema; it merely repeats the parameter names in Chinese. The schema already defines 'values' as a price array and 'q' as a quartile point. No enrichment is provided.

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 verb ('calculate') and the resource ('quartiles'), making the tool's purpose understandable. However, it does not specify that it calculates a single quartile given a quantile value (0.25, 0.5, 0.75), which could be ambiguous. Sibling utility tools like util_median and indicator_iqr are distinct, so the tool is distinguishable.

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 is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as util_median or indicator_iqr. The description does not mention any context for usage, prerequisites, or exclusions. An agent would have 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.