check_quota

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It conveys a read-only intent through 'check' and describes the resource as remaining credits and usage status, which implies no mutation. However, it does not disclose whether the check itself consumes credits, whether authentication is required, or what the response contains.

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 a single concise sentence that front-loads the action and the object. Every word contributes meaning and there is no redundant or vague filler.

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 zero-parameter, read-only status tool, the description supplies enough information to understand the call intent. The absence of an output schema means the agent does not know the exact response shape, but 'remaining credits and usage status' is a reasonable qualitative description for selecting and invoking the tool.

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 tool has zero parameters and the schema already reflects that completely, so there is nothing for the description to add. A zero-parameter tool receives a baseline of 4 because parameter documentation is not needed.

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 a clear verb and resource: 'Check remaining TokenMarkdown API credits and usage status.' This distinguishes it from the sibling tool extract_markdown, which is about extraction/processing, so an agent can select the right tool without extra context.

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 implies the tool is for monitoring quota before or after API usage, but it does not explicitly say when to call it, whether it should be called before extract_markdown, or what conditions make the check necessary. There is no exclusion guidance, but the intended context is reasonably inferable.

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