checkout

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It does disclose the preview vs. confirm behavior and warns about user confirmation, but this largely restates the input schema's parameter description. It does not explicitly mention possible consequences like irreversibility or financial implication, which would be valuable for a high-stakes action.

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 two concise sentences, front-loaded with the primary purpose, followed by the essential usage warning. Every sentence earns its place without 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?

The description explains the preview behavior when confirm is false, but it does not specify what is returned when confirm=true (e.g., a booking reference or confirmation status). Since there is no output schema, this missing success-path information is a gap, though the tool is simple and the context is largely implied.

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% because the sole parameter 'confirm' has a detailed description. The tool description adds nothing beyond what the schema already specifies about the parameter's behavior, so the baseline of 3 is appropriate.

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 tool's purpose with a specific verb and resource: 'Complete the American Airlines booking.' This distinguishes it from sibling tools like select_flight, modify_trip, or cancel_trip, which handle different stages of the booking lifecycle.

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 a clear and critical usage guideline: set confirm=true only after explicit user confirmation, and without it the tool returns a preview. However, it does not explicitly mention when to use this tool versus alternatives, though the purpose implies it is for finalizing a booking.

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