Get access list

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full responsibility for behavioral disclosure. It only states 'Get an access list by ID,' which implies a read operation, but does not disclose what happens if the ID is invalid, authentication requirements, or any side effects. This is insufficient for a tool with no 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 a single sentence that front-loads the purpose. It is concise, but possibly too terse for a tool with no annotations. A slightly longer description could improve completeness without sacrificing 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 simple tool (2 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description lacks critical context: what the tool returns (likely an access list object), behavior on missing ID, and error types. An agent needs more details to use this tool correctly.

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?

The input schema has 2 parameters (id, expand) with 50% description coverage (expand has a description in the schema, id does not). The description adds no information about the parameters beyond what the schema provides. It does not explain the meaning of 'expand' or constraints on 'id' beyond the schema's exclusiveMinimum. This is a missed opportunity to add value.

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's action: 'Get an access list by ID.' It identifies the specific verb (get) and resource (access list) with a retrieval method (by ID). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like npm_list_access_lists (which lists all) and create/update/delete tools.

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 implies usage when you have a specific ID, as indicated by 'by ID.' However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like npm_list_access_lists (for listing all access lists) or mention prerequisites or error handling. The clarity is adequate but lacks explicit differentiation.

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