get_alerts

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It doesn't mention return format, pagination, whether alerts are current or historical, severity levels, or any rate limits or auth requirements. For a read-type tool the lack of annotations leaves significant gaps.

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?

Extremely concise and well-scoped. The description is two lines with an args docstring for the single parameter. Every word is functional with zero waste.

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?

An output schema exists, which reduces the burden for explaining return values. However, with 0% schema description coverage, 1 single param (already covered in the args), no annotations, and no behavioral details (alert types, severity, expiration, update frequency), the description is minimal. For a weather alert tool, agents would benefit from knowing what constitutes an alert return vs. a no-alert return.

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 single parameter 'state' is described in the argument docstring as a two-letter US state code with examples (CA, NY), which adds meaning beyond the bare schema. However, it doesn't specify case sensitivity, whether territories are included (e.g., DC, PR), or what happens for invalid state codes. The examples help but full semantics aren't covered.

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 gets weather alerts for a US state, with a specific verb ('get') and resource ('weather alerts') and a geographic scope ('US state'). It distinguishes from the sibling tool 'get_forecast' by the resource type, though it doesn't explicitly name the sibling.

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 usage context ('for a US state') but provides no when-to-use guidance, no exclusions, and no comparison to the sibling get_forecast tool. The intent is reasonably clear but the agent doesn't know when alerts vs forecast is more appropriate.

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