refresh_license

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It mentions re-syncing with a server and cache bypassing, but does not state whether the tool is read-only or mutates state, potential side effects (e.g., network delays, auth requirements), or what happens on failure. This is insufficient given the absence of 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 no waste. The first sentence states the core action, and the second provides parameter guidance. It is front-loaded and highly concise.

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 tool has no output schema, so the description should hint at return values or outcomes. It does not mention what the tool returns (e.g., success status, updated license info) or error conditions. For a simple tool with one parameter, this omission leaves the agent without enough context for correct invocation handling.

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%, and the schema description for 'force' already explains its purpose. The tool description adds 'bypass cache' which echoes the schema, providing no additional meaning. Baseline 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 verb 'Refresh' and the resource 'license status' with the method 're-syncing with the license server'. This distinguishes it from siblings like get_license_status (read-only) and activate_license (mutative).

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 gives guidance for when to use the force parameter ('Use force=true to bypass cache'), but does not explicitly explain when to use this tool vs. alternatives like get_license_status. The usage context is implied but lacks explicit when-not-to-use or alternatives.

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