fred_release_data

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, covering safety and side-effect expectations. The description adds the bulk-fetch behavior and common release examples, but it does not describe response shape, pagination, or the meaning of fractional 53/50/10/18 beyond examples. This is acceptable given the annotations.

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 front-loaded and minimal: one sentence states the core purpose and the second sentence provides useful example IDs. There is no filler, redundancy, or unnecessary detail.

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 idempotent fetch with well-documented parameters and annotations, the key selection and invocation details are present. However, there is no output schema and the description does not explain what the returned data structure is or how the 50/52/51/52 limit/max works with a release. It is adequate but not rich enough for full agent confidence.

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%, with release_id already documented as 'e.g. 53 (GDP)' and limit as 'Max obs'. The description contributes only a small extra set of common release ID examples (50, 10, 18), which is helpful but marginal compared to 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 a specific action and resource: 'Bulk fetch a FRED release.' The parenthetical common release IDs (53 GDP, 50 Employment, 10 CPI, 18 Rates) make the purpose concrete and distinguish it from sibling tools like fred_series_data, which targets individual series.

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 phrase 'Bulk fetch' implies it is meant for whole-release retrieval rather than single-series lookups, and the sibling fred_series_data suggests the alternative. However, the description never explicitly states when to use this tool instead of fred_series_data or when not to use it.

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