petstore-api.placeOrder

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

While annotations declare destructiveHint=true, the description adds no behavioral context beyond that. It does not mention side effects like inventory changes or order creation implications. It merely states the action without disclosing consequences, so it provides no value over the annotations.

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, concise sentence with no extraneous information. It is front-loaded and efficient, making it easy to parse.

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?

Despite having an output schema, the description is too sparse for a tool that presumably creates an order. It does not explain what an order entails, any required context, or the nature of the response. This leaves significant gaps for the agent, especially given that the tool takes no parameters.

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 has zero parameters, so the description has nothing to clarify. Per the rubric, a baseline of 4 is given for 0 params, and the description does not need to add parameter details. The absence of parameters is consistent with the text, which does not mention any inputs.

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 'Place an order for a pet' uses a specific verb and resource, clearly distinguishing it from other petstore operations like getPetById or deleteOrder. It states exactly what the tool does without ambiguity.

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 offers no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives or any prerequisites (e.g., needing a pet ID or authentication). There is no mention of scenarios or exclusions, leaving the agent without context for selecting it appropriately.

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