track_price

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses that the tool records the cheapest price and reports changes since the last check, but it does not detail side effects (e.g., overwriting previous data), authentication needs, rate limits, or response structure. Some valuable behavioral context is provided but not exhaustive.

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 with two sentences, no waste. It is front-loaded with the main action and adds specific detail in the second sentence. Every part 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?

Given the tool has 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is somewhat complete but misses important context: what 'since last check' implies (requires prior call?), the return format, and whether it is a write operation. It is sufficient for simple scenarios but lacks depth.

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 75% (3 of 4 parameters have descriptions). The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema for origin, destination, and departureDate, and does not mention cabinClass at all. Since coverage is high but not complete, a 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 tool tracks a flight price over time, recording the current cheapest price and reporting changes. It uses specific verbs and resources, distinguishing it from siblings like search_flights and get_price_history.

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 implies usage for tracking a specific flight price over time but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as get_price_history or get_price_insights. Context is clear but exclusions are absent.

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