find_impact

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

There are no annotations, so the description carries the behavioral burden. It clearly discloses the output: direct callers, direct callees, transitive impact, and even describes behavior when repo_path is omitted, using the server startup --repo. It does not explicitly call itself read-only, but the language 'Find... Returns' strongly implies a query-only operation.

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 short, front-loaded with the core purpose, and each sentence earns its place. The summary 'The "what breaks if I change this" query' is a useful clarifying mental model rather than unnecessary repetition. The two argument descriptions are compact and relevant.

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 fairly simple 2-parameter lookup tool, the description covers the inputs, the core behavior, and the scope of results, and an output schema exists to fill in any return-format uncertainty. It doesn't go quite further to explicitly mention read-only constraints, staleness, or required indices, but there are no annotations and the description is still sufficiently rich for most AI agents.

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?

Input schema has 0% description coverage, but the description fully compensates for both parameters: repo_path is defined as an absolute path with the startup --repo fallback, and symbol is given an exact Symbol ID example (./src/auth.py:validate_jwt). This adds significant, actionable detail beyond the raw schema.

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's purpose: finding what breaks if a symbol is changed, and what it returns: direct callers, direct callees, and transitive impact. It is specific enough to be distinguished from generic helpers, but it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like compile_context or verify_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 phrase "The 'what breaks if I change this' query" gives a strong, useful usage frame: call this when you are about to change a symbol and want to assess impact. However, there is no explicit statement about when not to use it, no comparison to alternatives, and no exclusions, so the guidance remains implied rather than explicit.

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