Read rows

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

Annotations already mark the tool as read-only, idempotent, and non-destructive, so the description does not need to repeat safety traits. It adds useful behavioral context by explaining raw row reading, supported output formats, and pagination via limit/offset or an A1 range.

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 two tightly packed sentences: the first provides the critical routing rule, and the second summarizes output formats and pagination options. Every sentence contributes value with no repetition or filler.

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?

For a read tool with no output schema, the description gives enough to understand what it returns (rows as table, JSON, or CSV) and how to page through results. It does not specify the exact returned JSON/table shape or mention the sheet parameter, but the high-quality schema fills most of that gap.

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 description coverage is high at 83%, and the schema already documents as, limit, range, sheet, and offset with defaults and override behavior. The description mostly echoes these concepts without adding meaningful new parameter semantics beyond clarifying that path refers to spreadsheet/CSV files.

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 a specific verb and resource: it reads rows from spreadsheet or CSV file paths and supports table, JSON, or CSV output. It distinguishes itself from built-in file readers, though it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling sheet tools such as sheet_query or sheet_load.

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?

It gives an explicit when-to-use rule ('Call this tool for any spreadsheet or CSV file path') and an explicit when-not-to-use rule for built-in file readers, which cannot parse spreadsheets. This is direct routing guidance with a named alternative class of functionality.

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