get_alert_groups

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden, but it only states the basic function. It fails to disclose important behavioral traits like default parameter values, pagination (count/offset), or the significance of filtering fields (silenced, inhibited, active).

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 very short (one sentence), but the conciseness comes at the expense of essential information. It is under-specified and not well-structured for effective tool selection.

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 5 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is grossly incomplete. It provides no information about return values, filtering logic, pagination, or how alert groups relate to other resources.

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 schema coverage is 0%, meaning no parameter descriptions in the schema. The tool description itself mentions none of the five parameters, leaving the agent to guess the meaning of silenced, inhibited, active, count, and offset.

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 states 'Get a list of alert groups', which is a clear verb and resource, but lacks context on what constitutes an alert group and does not differentiate from sibling tools like get_alerts or get_silences.

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 such as get_alerts or get_silences. The description does not mention any filtering or pagination behavior.

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