network-traceroute

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

No annotations are present, so the description carries the full burden. It transparently explains the TTL mechanism, describes that each router returns its IP, and discloses that unresponsive hops appear as '* * *'. It does not mention potential privilege requirements or firewall interference, but the core behavior is well covered.

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 well-structured: a front-loaded purpose sentence, followed by USE CASES, WHAT IT DOES, PARAMETERS, OUTPUT, and a platform-specific NOTE. Each section adds distinct value, and there is no filler or redundancy.

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?

Given there is no output schema or annotations, the description fully covers what an agent needs: required and optional parameters with defaults, the output shape (hops, IPs, round-trip times, '* * *'), and the Windows 'tracert' naming difference. This is complete for a network diagnostic tool of comparable complexity.

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 documents all three parameters with descriptions, defaults, and ranges, achieving 100% coverage. The PARAMETERS section largely restates this structured information, adding only a 'Required' label and an example host—marginal added meaning 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?

The opening sentence uses a specific verb-resource pairing ('Trace the route...') and the USE CASES and WHAT IT DOES sections make clear this is a network path/hop discovery tool. It is easily distinguished from the sibling network-ping by its focus on intermediate hops rather than simple reachability.

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 provides clear contexts for use ('Identify network path', 'Diagnose where network latency is occurring', 'Find broken or slow network hops', 'Understand network topology for debugging'). However, it does not explicitly contrast with network-ping or state when not to use this tool, so it falls short of full alternative routing.

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