deploy_release_active

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that it returns null when no release is active and preserves canonical SDK errors. This adds valuable behavioral context beyond the input schema, though it does not detail permissions or side effects (which are minimal for a fetch operation).

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 three sentences, all essential: stating the purpose, handling the null case, advising when to use, and noting error behavior. There is no unnecessary information, and the purpose is front-loaded.

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 absence of an output schema, the description provides important return behavior (null for empty inventory). It also gives usage context relative to deploy diffs. For a simple fetch tool, this is complete enough to enable correct usage, though it could mention that it returns a list of paths or similar.

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 description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add any additional insight into the parameters beyond what the schema already provides (e.g., project_id, site_limit with default). No extra semantic value is contributed.

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 'Fetch the current-live release inventory for a project,' using a specific verb and resource. It also distinguishes itself from sibling tools like deploy_release_diff and deploy_release_get by focusing on the current-live release, and clarifies the case when no release is active.

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 this before deploy diffs to understand what is currently serving,' providing clear guidance on when to use the tool. Although it does not list alternatives or when not to use, the context is sufficient for an AI agent to choose correctly.

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