get_listing_details

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only states 'detailed information' without specifying what that includes (e.g., price, condition, seller info). No mention of authentication needs, rate limits, or side effects. For a read operation, the lack of detail on return behavior is a gap.

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 with no superfluous words. It is efficient and front-loaded. However, it could include a bit more context without losing conciseness, such as what 'detailed information' means.

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 tool's simplicity (one parameter, no output schema), the description is incomplete. It does not describe the response format or list the fields returned. For a complete understanding, an AI agent would need to guess or rely on prior knowledge.

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% (the parameter 'listing_id' is described as 'Mercari listing ID or full URL'). The tool description adds no further semantics beyond the schema, so a baseline score 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 action ('get detailed information') and the resource ('specific Mercari listing'), with a verb+resource structure. It distinguishes from sibling tools like get_my_listings, get_purchases, and search_listings, which operate on different scopes (user-specific lists, purchases, or search queries).

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?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, it does not mention that this tool retrieves a single listing by ID, while search_listings is for broad queries. The description lacks context about prerequisites or exclusion criteria.

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