walmart_search

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds value by specifying error conditions (missing API key, rate limit, request failure) and the return format (JSON or CSV), which goes beyond the annotations.

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 concise yet comprehensive, with clear sections for usage guidance, args, returns, and raises. It is front-loaded with the core purpose and economically uses sentences.

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 the rich annotations and the presence of an output schema, the description covers all necessary aspects: purpose, usage constraints, parameter hints, error handling, and return format. It is sufficient for an agent to invoke correctly.

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 high; each parameter in the input schema has a detailed description. The tool description only lists parameter names briefly without adding deeper meaning. Baseline 3 is appropriate as the schema handles parameter semantics well.

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 it retrieves Walmart product search results for a query, listing specific fields returned (product name, price, rating, etc.) and pagination. It distinguishes itself from siblings by explicitly mentioning when not to use it and naming alternatives like walmart_product and walmart_review.

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?

Provides explicit when-to-use scenarios (discovering products, price research, catalog building) and when-not-to-use with named alternative tools (walmart_product, walmart_review). This guidance is clear and actionable.

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