cloud_backup_get_snapshots

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden. 'Get' implies a read operation but does not confirm no side effects. No mention of prerequisites, permission needs, pagination, or error scenarios. It is minimally transparent.

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 that immediately conveys the tool's purpose. It is front-loaded and free of unnecessary words, though it could benefit from a brief note on usage context.

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?

There is no output schema, and the description does not explain what is returned (e.g., snapshot metadata fields). For a listing tool, common details like pagination, ordering, or limits are missing, making it incomplete for a complex operation.

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%, with 'clustername' described as 'Name of the cluster' and 'options' as 'Optional parameters'. The description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema. The 'options' object lacks details about possible sub-parameters.

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' and the resource 'all cloud backup snapshots for a cluster'. It distinguishes from the sibling 'cloud_backup_get_snapshot' by specifying 'all', but does not elaborate further on the concept of snapshots.

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 guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. No mention of context or conditions such as filtering by date or status. The only hint is implicit: it returns all snapshots.

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