Create a checklist

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full behavioral burden. It discloses that creation returns a CL-NNNN id, that the checklist is reusable, and that the free tier allows 3 checklists with unlimited runs. It stops short of error/duplicate-name behavior, but it is materially more transparent than a bare 'Create a checklist.'

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?

Three short sentences pack in the core action, the fields, the return value, the follow-up sibling tool, and a quota constraint. There is no filler, and the most important information is front-loaded.

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 there is no output schema and no annotations, the description does well by explaining the return ID, parameter shape, next workflow step, and free-tier limit. It does not detail error behavior or uniqueness constraints, but for a simple creation tool this is a reasonably complete definition.

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?

Schema coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all three parameters. The description repeats their names but adds little meaning beyond the schema; the phrase 'a name, a category and an optional description' is also slightly ambiguous about whether category is optional, though the schema clearly marks only name as required.

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 states a specific action ('Create a reusable checklist') and the resource, plus the returned artifact ('its CL-NNNN id'). It clearly distinguishes this tool from siblings like checklist_item_add, checklist_show, and checklist_delete.

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 makes the creation workflow clear and explicitly points to the next step: 'Add the steps with checklist_item_add.' It does not list exclusions or when-not-to-use conditions, but the context is sufficiently clear for an agent to choose this tool over its siblings.

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