list_environment_roles

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden of behavior. It discloses that the operation is a read-only listing and that the response should be tabular, but it does not mention authorization needs, pagination, or error behavior. Basic transparency is present, but richer behavioral context is absent.

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 concise sentences, no filler, with the core action and key parameter guidance front-loaded. The response-format hint is an efficient 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 simple one-parameter listing tool with no output schema, the description provides enough information to call it correctly: the action, scope, required parameter format, and expected response shape. It could add context about when to use it or what 'all roles' entails, but these are secondary for this low-complexity case.

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 description restates that environmentId is required and suggests a format 'env_<number>', which adds some human-readable guidance. However, the schema already encodes required and pattern, and the description's 'number' hint is narrower than the schema's ^env_\w+$ pattern. Value beyond the schema is therefore limited and slightly misleading.

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 uses a specific verb ('List') and resource ('all roles in the specified environment'), making the tool's function immediately clear. It also differentiates itself from siblings like create_environment_role and list_environment_scopes.

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 is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as list_environment_scopes or list_environments. The description only instructs how to invoke it, not when it is the appropriate choice.

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