Merge duplicates

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

Annotations already mark this tool as destructive and non-idempotent, but the description adds concrete semantics: duplicates leave the list, count as extra reports on the kept item, and lists the permitted roles. This is meaningful behavioral context beyond what annotations provide.

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?

Three sentences, front-loaded with the effect, then the usage condition, then permissions. Every sentence earns its place, and the app analogy is compact and useful.

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?

With only two fully documented parameters, rich annotations, and no output schema, the description gives enough to call the tool correctly: prerequisite, effect, and authorization are all covered.

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 coverage is 100%, and the schema already explains that itemId is the item to keep and duplicateIds are items reporting the same problem. The description restates the fold-into relationship but adds no syntax, constraints, or edge-case detail beyond the schema.

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?

States a specific verb and resource ('Fold duplicate items into one') plus the concrete outcome of the merge. It clearly separates this action from the discovery sibling find_similar, which is framed as a prerequisite rather than the same operation.

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?

Explicitly constrains use to cases where find_similar and the threads show the items are the same problem, and states who can merge. It does not spell out an alternative action for non-duplicates, so usage is clear but not fully explicit about alternatives.

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