get_foods

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 only says 'list or search' and fails to explain hierarchical behavior (root vs tree), pagination, sorting, or return format. This is a significant gap for a tool with three optional parameters.

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, front-loaded sentence that efficiently communicates the core action. It is appropriately terse, though it sacrifices some informational richness for brevity. It earns a 4 for being concise and to the point.

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?

The tool lacks annotations and an output schema, and the description is too brief to provide sufficient context. It does not explain the hierarchical structure, search behavior, or expected results, leaving the agent without enough information to confidently invoke the tool in all scenarios.

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 input schema covers all parameters with descriptions (100% coverage), so the baseline is 3. The description adds minimal meaning beyond the schema, only implying that 'query' is for searching while root/tree are for listing. No additional semantics are 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 'List or search for foods' clearly states the tool's action (list/search) and resource (foods), distinguishing it from sibling tools like get_recipes and get_meal_plans. It lacks explicit differentiation, but the resource name is specific enough to avoid confusion.

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, nor any context for when to use 'list' vs 'search' or how the root/tree parameters should be used. The description merely states the basic action without situational direction.

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