Codex Research

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

The description discloses that the source tree stays read-only and that downloads, scripts, and intermediate files are confined to a private temporary scratch directory, adding detail beyond the readOnlyHint annotation. It also notes that independent calls may run concurrently. No contradiction with annotations is present.

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 three sentences, each contributing essential information: purpose, safety/scratch behavior, and concurrency. It is front-loaded with the core purpose and contains no redundant or verbose phrasing.

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?

The description covers purpose, safety, and concurrency, and an output schema exists so return values aren't needed in the description. However, it does not connect to the sibling tool 'research_reply', leaving the workflow incomplete for a user who needs to know how to retrieve the delegated result. This gap prevents a higher score.

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 already provides detailed descriptions for both 'prompt' and 'source_cwd' (100% coverage). The tool description does not add extra parameter-level detail, but it supplements context about the assignment being read-only and bounded. Thus it meets the baseline without further enrichment.

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 delegates a read-only evidence assignment to Codex for a specific set of operations (discovery, retrieval, etc.). It uses a specific verb ('delegate') and identifies the resource (evidence assignment to Codex). However, it does not explicitly differentiate from the sibling tool 'research_reply', so it misses the highest marks for sibling differentiation.

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 gives clear context for the intended use: delegating read-only evidence assignments involving discovery, retrieval, extraction, etc. It also explains the bounded nature of the assignment. However, it does not specify when to use 'research_reply' instead or mention any exclusions, so the guidance is implied rather than explicit.

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