magento_trace_config

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. The description lacks any mention of whether the tool modifies data, requires authentication, or has rate limits. It only describes what information it retrieves, without addressing side effects or prerequisites beyond the export requirement.

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 4 sentences, with the purpose front-loaded in the first sentence. Every sentence adds value: purpose, usage context, input clarifications, and an important note. No redundant words.

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, and the description does not explain the structure or format of the output beyond listing what it finds. The IMPORTANT note hints at possible missing data, but for a comprehensive understanding, more detail about the output would be beneficial. It is adequate but not complete.

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 100% description coverage, so the baseline is 3. The description adds the context that the tool accepts either an exact path or keyword, but this is already stated in the schema parameter descriptions. No additional semantic meaning is provided beyond the schema.

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 traces a Magento config path end-to-end, specifying exactly what it finds: system.xml definition, PHP classes, and DB values. The verb 'trace' and resource 'config path' are specific, and it differentiates from sibling tools like magento_find_config by emphasizing the end-to-end tracing.

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 when to use the tool: 'when investigating config-driven behavior' with examples. It also includes an IMPORTANT note guiding the agent on what to do if exports are missing. It does not explicitly mention when not to use or alternatives, but the guidance is clear enough.

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