stock_search

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

With no annotations, the description must fully describe behavior. It only states the basic action. It omits whether the tool is read-only, what the return format is, if there are rate limits, or if the api_key parameter is needed for authentication.

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 concise at seven words, but it lacks structure and detail. It is not verbose, but it sacrifices clarity and completeness for brevity.

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 low parameter count and no output schema, the description should be able to stand alone. It fails to explain the tool's role fully, particularly how its results feed into other stock tools. The description is too sparse for a complete understanding.

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 0%, so the description should compensate but does not. It adds no meaning to the 'keywords' parameter (e.g., expected format) or the 'api_key' parameter (e.g., where to get it or if optional means a default key is used).

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 verb ('Search') and resource ('stock tickers') and identifies the data source ('Alpha Vantage'). It effectively distinguishes this tool from sibling stock price tools (e.g., stock_quote, stock_daily) which operate on already-known tickers.

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention that once a ticker is found, other tools should be used for price data, nor does it describe prerequisites like an API key.

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