suricata_eve_stats

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

The description indicates a read-only operation (get statistics) with no mention of side effects or destructive actions. Since no annotations are present, the description carries the full burden, but it does not disclose potential performance impact, authentication requirements, or data volume limits. For a simple stat retrieval, this is adequate but not exceptional.

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 core action and resource, then elaborates with specific statistic categories. No unnecessary words; every part adds value.

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 no output schema and no parameters, the description provides sufficient context by listing the categories of statistics retrieved. However, it does not describe the return format or structure, which could help an agent process the results. Still, for a simple, parameterless tool, it is mostly 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 tool has zero parameters, and the schema coverage is 100% (trivially). Per the scoring rule, '0 params = baseline 4'. The description does not need to add parameter semantics as there are none.

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 action ('Get'), the resource ('Suricata engine statistics from eve.json stats events'), and specifies the types of statistics included (packet counts, decoder stats, flow metrics, detection engine performance). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like suricata_alert_summary and suricata_query_alerts, which focus on alerts rather than overall stats.

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 use for retrieving Suricata engine statistics but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., suricata_alert_summary for alerts, nids_sensor_status for sensor health). No 'when-not' or exclusion guidance is provided.

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