verify_domain

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

With no annotations, the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It states the action but does not mention side effects, asynchronous behavior, potential delays, or error conditions. The prerequisite about DNS records is useful but insufficient for a mutation-like tool.

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 two short sentences plus a compact Args section. It front-loads the purpose and includes only essential information without any filler.

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 trigger tool, the description covers purpose, prerequisite, and parameter source. The existence of an output schema reduces need to explain return values. However, it omits whether verification is synchronous or if the domain status updates immediately.

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 has 0% description coverage, so the description must compensate. It does so by explaining domain_id as 'The domain ID (from list_domains)', which adds source context beyond the bare schema definition. However, format or examples are not provided.

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 function: 'Trigger DNS verification for a domain.' This is a specific verb+resource pair that distinguishes it from siblings like get_domain_records or list_domains.

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?

Explicit guidance is provided: 'Call this after adding the required DNS records at your registrar. Use get_domain_records first to see which records are needed.' This tells the agent when to use the tool and directs it to a relevant alternative for prerequisite info.

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