IBM Granite Code ($0.025)

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

Discloses cost ($0.025 USDC per call) and account requirement (no IBM Cloud account needed) beyond annotations. Annotations already indicate read-only and open world, and description adds useful behavioral context without contradiction.

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 clear front-loading of purpose, followed by usage and cost. No wasted words; every sentence adds essential information.

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?

Covers task types, prompt usage, cost, and account requirement. Lacks detailed return value specification, but the mention of 'receive code with explanation' suffices given no output schema. Could mention rate limits or max response length, but overall adequate.

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 100%, so baseline is 3. Description adds extra value by summarizing that prompt differs per task (code for review/refactor/explain, description for generate) and stating the output type (code with explanation).

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 handles code generation, review, refactoring, and explanation via IBM Granite. Lists specific task types, distinguishing it from sibling tools like ibm_granite_chat or ibm_granite_analyze.

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?

Provides clear context on when to use (for code tasks) and what to provide (task and prompt). Lacks explicit exclusions or alternatives, but the mention of 'Provide a task type and code/prompt' gives enough guidance.

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