get_continent

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the behavioral load; it does disclose the notable payload trait that countries are bundled in. It says nothing about what happens for an unknown ID (error vs empty), whether the read is safe/cheap, or that countries can be excluded.

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?

One short sentence, front-loaded with the verb and resource, with no filler or redundant restatement of the tool name.

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 simple two-parameter read with no annotations and no output schema, the description covers purpose and the shape of the result adequately. It leaves the failure mode for a bad ID and the effect of include_countries=false unaddressed, which a caller would want to know.

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 100%, so the baseline is 3; the description goes slightly beyond by foregrounding that sovereign countries are part of the response, which is exactly what the include_countries flag toggles. It still doesn't state what setting include_countries=false yields.

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?

Specific verb 'Retrieve' plus resource 'a single continent' and the payload ('including its sovereign countries'). It is clearly distinguishable from list_/create_/delete_continent by the singular-resource framing, though it never names an alternative explicitly.

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 word 'single' implies this is the per-ID lookup rather than the list operation, which lets an agent infer when to use it. There is no explicit statement of when-not to use it, no prerequisite about needing a valid continent ID, and no alternative named.

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