get_series_observations

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

Discloses output format, date format, frequency aggregation, and units transformations. No annotation support, but covers key behavioral aspects without contradictions.

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?

Three concise sentences with front-loaded purpose; every sentence adds value without redundancy.

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?

Explains output and two parameters, but lacks details on limit, sort_order, date ranges, pagination, or error handling. Adequate for a basic tool but incomplete given 7 parameters and no output schema.

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?

Adds meaning for frequency and units (e.g., 'd,w,m,q,a' and transformation examples), but leaves limit, sort_order, and date range parameters unexplained. Schema has 0% coverage.

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?

Description clearly states the tool retrieves time series observations for a FRED series, distinguishing it from siblings like metadata or single-value tools.

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?

Implies use for full time series data and provides parameter hints, but lacks explicit when-to-use vs. alternatives or exclusions.

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