Get Basecamp Upload

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, destructiveHint, idempotentHint, openWorldHint. The description adds value by specifying return behavior: for images it returns viewable content, for text files it returns text, for other binaries it returns metadata only. This is beyond what annotations provide.

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 concise single paragraph of three sentences. It front-loads the main action and each sentence adds necessary detail. No wasted words.

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 tool has two required parameters with full schema coverage and no output schema, the description covers the return behavior across file types adequately. It does not mention error handling or authentication, but the annotations cover safety. Slightly room for improvement on completeness regarding edge cases like missing upload.

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 has 100% coverage for both parameters (bucket_id and upload_id) with clear descriptions. The description does not add additional meaning to the parameters beyond what the schema provides. Hence a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

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: getting a file uploaded to a vault. It distinguishes itself from siblings like basecamp_get_vault (which retrieves vault metadata) and basecamp_list_uploads (which lists uploads). The description also specifies the behavior for different file types (images, text, binary), adding clarity.

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 explains what the tool returns based on file type but does not explicitly state when to use it versus alternatives like basecamp_list_uploads or basecamp_download_blob. There is no mention of when not to use it or prerequisites. The context of sibling tools implies some differentiation, but the description itself lacks explicit guidance.

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