sort_data

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool sorts arrays but does not describe crucial aspects such as whether the input is mutated, error handling for invalid JSON, or the exact format of the sorted output. The lack of behavioral details limits the agent's understanding.

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 extremely concise, consisting of a single sentence for the purpose and a bulleted list for parameters. Every part serves a clear function with no redundancy. It is efficiently structured for quick parsing.

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?

While the description covers the basic purpose and parameters, it omits details about the return value format (though an output schema exists), potential errors (e.g., invalid JSON, non-sortable types), and whether the sort is stable. Given the tool's simplicity and the presence of an output schema, the description is minimally adequate but could be more 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?

The schema provides only types and defaults, with no property descriptions. The description adds meaningful context: 'data — JSON array to sort' clarifies the expected format, 'key — Sort key for objects. Empty for value arrays' explains conditional usage, and 'order — 'asc' (default) or 'desc'' enumerates valid values. This significantly aids agent comprehension 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 description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Sort an array of values or objects.' It uses a specific verb (Sort) and specifies the resource (array of values or objects), which distinguishes it from sibling tools that might perform other operations on arrays.

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 alternatives. It does not mention any exclusions, prerequisites, or scenarios where another tool would be more appropriate. The agent is left to infer usage from the function's name alone.

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