nod-mcp-server

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden and does well by disclosing key behavioral traits: it fetches a manifest, reports on support status, endpoint URL, authentication requirements, and policy constraints. This covers critical operational aspects like auth needs and constraints, though it could add details on rate limits or error handling.

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 front-loaded and efficiently structured in a single sentence that covers purpose, inputs, and outputs without waste. Every element (e.g., action examples, reported details) serves to clarify the tool's function, making it concise and well-organized.

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's moderate complexity (2 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is largely complete: it explains what the tool does, what it returns, and key behavioral aspects. However, it could improve by mentioning the sibling tool 'lookup_nod' for better context or detailing output format, though the absence of an output schema makes this less critical.

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 100% description coverage, providing clear definitions for 'domain' and 'action'. The description adds minimal value beyond the schema by listing example actions, but it doesn't elaborate on parameter interactions or constraints. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate as the schema does the heavy lifting.

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's purpose with specific verbs ('fetches', 'reports') and resources ('business's NOD manifest'), and it distinguishes from the sibling tool 'lookup_nod' by focusing on capability checking rather than general lookup. It provides concrete examples of actions like 'order_food' and 'book_appointment' to illustrate scope.

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 context by specifying it checks 'whether the action is supported' and lists common actions, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'lookup_nod' or provide exclusions. It offers some guidance through examples but lacks direct comparative instructions.

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