Search Reddit posts

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

Beyond the readOnlyHint annotation, the description discloses the important re-ranking behavior: results are re-ranked to surface the most discussed threads rather than the most upvoted. This adds real behavioral context that annotations do not capture, though it does not cover details like rate limits or pagination.

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 sentences with no filler. It front-loads the core purpose and then adds the most decision-relevant behavioral detail, making every word earn its place.

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 search tool with six parameters and no output schema, the description covers the key behavioral nuance and the optional subreddit restriction. It does not describe the return shape or edge cases, but the schema fully documents parameters, so the description is adequately complete for invocation.

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 baseline is 3. The description adds extra semantic value by explaining the practical effect of the default rankByDiscussion behavior and connecting it to research use, which goes beyond the schema's dry parameter descriptions.

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 ('Search Reddit posts') and a scoping option ('optionally inside one subreddit'), which clearly identifies what the tool does. It also distinguishes the tool from sibling tools like browse_subreddit or find_subreddits by focusing on search over Reddit posts.

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 clear usage context by explaining that the default re-ranking favors highly discussed threads, 'which is usually what research wants.' It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusion criteria, but the research-oriented context is enough to guide an agent on when to choose this tool.

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