Delete a packing list

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

With no annotations provided, the description fully carries the burden of transparency. It discloses three important behavioral traits: cascade deletion of categories, failure on the last list, and preservation of items referenced elsewhere. This goes well beyond a vague 'delete' and informs the user of side effects.

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 two sentences long and front-loaded with the primary action. The second sentence adds critical constraints and side effects without any filler. Every word contributes to understanding the tool's behavior.

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 simple one-parameter delete tool with no output schema, the description covers the main action, side effects, and a key failure condition. It doesn't mention success return value or reversibility, but those are less important for a delete operation. Overall, it is nearly complete for the tool's complexity.

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 description coverage is 0%, so the description should compensate for the parameter's meaning. It does not explicitly state that listId is the ID of the list to delete, but the tool name and description make it inferable. The description adds minimal value beyond the schema for the single parameter.

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 action ('Deletes'), the resource ('a list'), and the scope ('all its categories'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like remove_category or delete_item. It also adds detail about the cascade behavior, making the purpose unambiguous.

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 clear context by explaining what gets deleted and the failure condition when it's the only remaining list. While it doesn't explicitly name alternatives, the scope makes it clear when to use this tool versus per-category or per-item deletion.

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