get_author_directions

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

Annotations already communicate read-only, idempotent, non-destructive behavior. The description adds the useful behavioral detail that only one page is returned at a time, and that directions are 'named', which is not captured by annotations. No contradictions.

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, concise sentence with the verb first and no unnecessary words. It earns its place entirely, achieving high clarity in minimal space.

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 simple paginated read-only tool with a full output schema and robust annotations, the description covers the core purpose and pagination. Missing details include parameter clarification and explicit sibling differentiation, but the basic usage is clear enough for straightforward selection and 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?

The schema has 0% description coverage, so the description must compensate. It only hints at limit/offset via 'one page', adding some meaning, but does not explain author_id_or_url or the exact semantics of limit/offset beyond naming. This is minimal compensation for the lack of schema 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 clearly states the tool fetches one page of an author's named research directions, using a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes itself from siblings like get_direction (a single direction) and get_author_papers (papers) by focusing on the author's directions with pagination.

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 pagination hint 'one page' implies a use case for paging through results, but the description gives no explicit when-to-use vs alternatives, no exclusions, and does not mention sibling tools. Usage context is implied rather than directly stated.

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