spss_autorecode

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It does not state whether the original file is modified, whether new variables are created, what new_names and output_path do, or how failures or existing values are handled.

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?

Two tight sentences with no filler. The core transformation and order default are front-loaded, and the SPSS prerequisite is a useful one-line addition.

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 five-parameter tool with zero schema descriptions and no annotations, this is incomplete. The agent lacks essential details about required inputs, optional outputs, and side effects, though the output schema provides some structural return information.

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 must compensate. It explains only the order parameter and its default, leaving required parameters file_path and variables, plus new_names and output_path, completely undocumented.

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 action and outcome: 'Automatically recode string/categorical values into consecutive integers.' This clearly distinguishes it from generic recoding or transformation tools among the siblings, and the order parameter is described.

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?

No guidance on when to use this tool instead of related tools such as spss_recode, spss_compute, or spss_value_labels. The only contextual note is the prerequisite 'Requires IBM SPSS Statistics,' which does not help with tool selection.

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