Perform quick Google searches to retrieve concise snippets for immediate information lookup without loading full pages.
Simple Google search for quick lookups. Returns snippets only without fetching full page content. For deep research with full page content, use deep_search instead.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | Search query | |
| num_results | No | Number of results to return (1-10, default: 10) |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.1Input schema / properties / google_api_keyRemoved value: -{
- "description": "Google Custom Search API key (optional, uses server default if not provided)",
- "type": "string"
-}Input schema / properties / google_cxRemoved value: -{
- "description": "Google Custom Search Engine ID (optional, uses server default if not provided)",
- "type": "string"
-}Input schema / properties / google_api_keyAdded value: +{
+ "description": "Google Custom Search API key (optional, uses server default if not provided)",
+ "type": "string"
+}Input schema / properties / google_cxAdded value: +{
+ "description": "Google Custom Search Engine ID (optional, uses server default if not provided)",
+ "type": "string"
+}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 effectively describes key behavioral traits: it's a read-only search operation (implied by 'search'), returns only snippets (not full content), and is optimized for quick lookups. However, it doesn't mention rate limits, authentication requirements, or error handling.
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 perfectly concise with two sentences that each serve distinct purposes: the first defines the tool's purpose and behavior, the second provides usage guidance. There's zero wasted language and it's front-loaded with the core functionality.
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's moderate complexity (search with two parameters), no annotations, and no output schema, the description does well by explaining the behavioral scope (snippets only) and providing clear usage guidelines. However, it doesn't describe the format or structure of the returned snippets, which would be helpful given the lack of output schema.
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 description coverage is 100%, providing complete documentation for both parameters. The description doesn't add any parameter-specific information beyond what's in the schema, so it meets the baseline of 3 where the schema does the heavy lifting.
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 performs a 'Simple Google search for quick lookups' with the specific scope of 'Returns snippets only without fetching full page content.' It explicitly distinguishes from the sibling tool 'deep_search' by contrasting the snippet-only output versus full page content retrieval.
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 provides explicit guidance on when to use this tool ('for quick lookups') and when to use an alternative ('For deep research with full page content, use deep_search instead'). This clearly defines the appropriate context and excludes scenarios better handled by the sibling tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.