web_search

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the burden of disclosing behavioral traits. It does mention that the tool returns 'additive v3 evidence, routing receipts, provider attempts, cache provenance, and typed errors,' which gives some insight into output complexity and routing behavior. However, it does not explicitly state that the operation is read-only, mention rate limits, or disclose any side effects. The mention of provider routing and receipts is useful but leaves room for more transparency.

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, information-dense sentence. It front-loads the core purpose ('web search') and then lists unique output characteristics without wasting words. It is concise and well-structured, though it could be formatted as a short list to improve scannability. Overall, it earns its place.

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?

This is a complex tool with 14 parameters, 6 enums, and no output schema or annotations. The description is minimal and does not provide guidance on how to use key parameters like mode, depth, provider, or research_time_budget. It does not explain trade-offs among providers or when to enable research mode. While the schema describes each parameter's semantics, the tool-level description offers no context on overarching behavior, usage patterns, or limitations. For such a feature-rich tool, the description is insufficiently complete.

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?

All 14 parameters are described in the input schema (100% coverage), so the baseline is 3. The tool description adds no additional meaning about the parameters themselves; it only mentions 'routing across providers' and 'evidence,' which is already implied by the schema. Since every parameter is individually documented, the description does not need to compensate, but it also does not enrich beyond 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 description clearly states the primary function: 'Source-only web search through the Web Search Plus v3 runtime.' It names the verb (search) and resource (web), and the phrase 'source-only' distinguishes it from the sibling tool web_extract, which presumably extracts content from a given source. The description is specific and immediately recognizable.

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 no guidance on when to use this tool versus web_extract. It does not state conditions like 'use for finding sources, use web_extract for reading a page' or explain when to prefer search over extraction. No exclusions or alternative recommendations are given, leaving the agent to infer usage from the name alone.

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