Read Skill File

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

The description adds valuable context beyond the annotations: it explains that you can read single files or entire directories at once, and provides specific examples of path usage. While annotations already indicate this is a safe, read-only operation (readOnlyHint=true, destructiveHint=false), the description enhances understanding of the tool's behavior with practical file/directory reading capabilities.

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 perfectly concise with three focused sentences that each serve a distinct purpose: stating the tool's purpose, providing usage guidance, and explaining parameter behavior. There is zero wasted text and the information is front-loaded effectively.

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?

For a read-only tool with comprehensive annotations and full schema coverage, the description provides excellent context about when and how to use it. The only minor gap is the lack of output schema, but the description compensates well by explaining what the tool reads (files, directories) and providing concrete examples.

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?

With 100% schema description coverage, the schema already documents both parameters thoroughly. The description adds some practical context about path usage ('Pass a directory path... to read all files in that directory at once') but doesn't provide significant additional parameter semantics beyond what the schema already specifies.

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 specific action ('Read files'), target resource ('files referenced by skill instructions'), and scope ('scripts, snippets, templates'). It distinguishes from the sibling 'skill' tool by specifying this is for reading files referenced by skills rather than general skill operations.

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 provides explicit guidance on when to use this tool ('Use when skill instructions mention specific files to read or copy') and includes practical examples of different path scenarios. It clearly defines the context for tool invocation with concrete examples.

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