Decode Partial Vin

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

With no annotations, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden and does well by explaining that * matches exactly one character and that it follows the vPIC pattern format. It does not discuss edge cases, errors, or authorization, but the operation is a read-only decode, and the output schema exists.

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 brief and front-loaded: the first sentence states the core purpose, and the second adds wildcard semantics and use cases. Every sentence contributes useful information without redundant phrasing.

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 simple two-parameter tool with an output schema and fully documented parameters, the description is nearly complete. It explains when to use the tool and the wildcard behavior, though it could be slightly more explicit about how this differs from decoding a full VIN.

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 coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3, but the description adds value beyond the schema by specifying that the wildcard matches exactly one character and that the format aligns with vPIC. This clarifies pattern semantics beyond the schema's brief example.

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 decodes partial VIN patterns with wildcards, using a specific verb and resource. It differentiates from sibling decode_vin by emphasizing partial patterns and wildcard matching.

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?

It explicitly says the tool is useful when you don't have the full 17-character VIN or need pattern-based lookups. It does not explicitly name decode_vin as the alternative for full VINs, but the context makes the intended use clear.

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