list_categories

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure, and it only conveys that the operation lists data (read-only by implication). It says nothing about authentication via token, whether locationId is required, error behavior, or how results are returned.

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 definition is a single front-loaded sentence with no filler; the verb comes first and every word contributes meaning. It is efficient, though the brevity comes at the cost of omitted parameter 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?

For a tool with two undocumented parameters, no annotations, and no output schema, the description covers only the basic action. Missing context includes the token's role, how locationId selects the location, and what the list response looks like, so an agent must guess at the invocation contract.

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 0%, so the description must explain both parameters; it does not. 'Available for a location' loosely maps to locationId, but token is entirely unexplained and neither parameter's format, optionality, or purpose is clarified.

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 names a specific verb ('List'), a concrete resource ('product categories'), and a scoping qualifier ('available for a location'). It is clear enough that an agent can tell it apart from sibling list_products by resource type, though it never explicitly contrasts itself with any sibling.

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 provides no guidance on when to call this tool versus set_tally_token, list_products, or ask_products, and no prerequisites are stated. The only implicit signal is that a location scopes the result, which is too thin to route an agent reliably.

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