List classifications

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

Annotations already declare readOnly, idempotent, non-destructive, and closed-world, so the safety profile is fully covered. The description adds the informational payload (families, versions, custodians, coverage, licensing notes), but says nothing about volume, pagination, or ordering.

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?

Two sentences, front-loaded with the resource and payload, followed by the usage cue. No wasted 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?

An output schema exists so return structure needn't be explained, and annotations cover safety. However, the two undocumented optional filter parameters leave a real gap for an agent trying to narrow the listing.

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?

Two parameters (`domain`, `status`) have 0% schema description coverage and no enums, and the description never mentions them. It does not compensate for the schema gap by explaining what these filters accept or how they constrain results.

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?

States a specific verb (List) and resource (classification families), and enumerates the content returned: versions, custodians, coverage, licensing notes. It does not explicitly distinguish itself from `get_classification` or `recommend_classifications`, so it stops short of a 5.

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?

"Start here when the correct standard is unknown" clearly signals an entry-point/exploration use case and implies the alternative is to go straight to a known-standard tool. No when-not conditions or named siblings, but the context is clear.

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