get_transcript

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 'extract transcript' and does not mention important behavioral traits such as requiring available captions/subtitles, failing for videos without transcripts, or whether any other side effects occur.

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 with no filler. It states the core purpose immediately and avoids unnecessary detail.

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?

Although the tool is simple and the schema covers parameters fully, the absence of an output schema, annotations, and sibling comparisons leaves gaps. The description does not explain what the returned transcript looks like, when it will fail, or why an agent should choose this over get_transcript_with_metadata.

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 fully describes both parameters (url and include_timestamps), so the description does not need to add much. It does reinforce that url accepts either a full URL or a bare video ID, but it adds no new meaning 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 action ('Extract transcript') and the resource ('YouTube video URL or video ID'). It is specific and unambiguous, though it does not explicitly distinguish itself from get_transcript_with_metadata, which appears to be the closest sibling alternative.

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 about when to use this tool versus get_transcript_with_metadata or save_transcript. An agent would have to infer the appropriate choice from sibling names alone, which may be ambiguous.

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