ebay_get_api_status

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must carry behavioral information. It states this is a read operation fetching an RSS feed, implying no side effects. However, it lacks details such as authentication requirements, rate limits, or the specific structure of returned data, which would be helpful for an agent.

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 extraneous information. It front-loads the purpose and includes a usage directive. Every sentence adds value, achieving high conciseness.

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 low complexity (3 optional parameters, no output schema), the description is nearly complete. It explains the source (RSS feed) and content (recent issues, fixes, outages). Missing details about the output format are minor, but overall sufficient for an agent to understand the tool's behavior.

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%: all three parameters have descriptions in the schema. The description adds minimal value beyond the schema (e.g., 'Filter by API name' is already in schema). No parameter semantics beyond what the schema provides, so 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 tool fetches eBay API status from the official RSS feed, listing specific examples (Trading API, Inventory API, Sandbox). This verb+resource combination is distinct from all sibling tools, which focus on other eBay operations.

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 explicitly says 'Use when the user asks about API status, outages, or fixes,' providing clear context for invocation. It does not include when-not-to-use or alternatives, but the guidance is sufficient given the tool's narrow scope.

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