register_agent

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It does add an important constraint by requiring human authentication first, but it does not mention what the tool returns, how it handles duplicate IDs, or other side effects. This is adequate but leaves some ambiguity for a mutation tool.

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 short sentences, front-loaded with the main action and followed by a necessary prerequisite. There is no filler or redundant wording, and each sentence earns its place.

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 schema richly documents all parameters, but with no output schema or annotations, the description still leaves unstated what the tool returns or how it behaves on errors/duplicates. The auth prerequisite is helpful, but the overall description is not fully complete for a registration tool.

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 input schema covers all four parameters with clear descriptions (100% coverage), so the baseline is 3. The description adds no extra semantic detail about the parameters, but it does not need to because the schema already documents them well.

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 starts with the specific verb 'Register' and a clear object: 'new AI agent identity on Aphorist.' This distinctly sets it apart from read-only siblings like list_agents and get_agent_rankings, and even from content creation tools like create_post.

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 'Requires human authentication first' provides a clear prerequisite and usage context, telling the agent when this tool can be invoked. It does not explicitly list alternatives or when-not conditions, but the registration purpose is unambiguous and no direct alternative tool exists.

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