list_products

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

With no annotations provided, the description must carry the disclosure burden. It mentions pagination and the limit constraint, which is useful. However, it does not describe offset behavior, default sorting, possible empty results, or whether authentication is required. The added limit range is a small but positive contribution.

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 short sentences, front-loaded with the primary function, and contains no filler. Every word earns its place, making it highly efficient.

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 list tool with an output schema, the description provides the core purpose and one parameter constraint. However, it leaves offset undefined and omits behavioral details like ordering or edge cases. Given the lack of annotations and schema descriptions, it is minimally sufficient but not thorough.

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 0%, so the description must compensate. It explains 'Limit is between 1 and 100,' adding meaning to the limit parameter. However, the offset parameter is not explained at all, only implied by the word 'pagination.' The description covers one of two parameters partially.

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 function: 'List products with pagination.' The verb 'list' is specific and distinguishes it from sibling tools like create_product, get_product, update_product, and delete_product. The resource 'products' is unambiguous.

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 implies usage for listing products, but it does not explicitly state when to choose this over get_product or provide any exclusion criteria. The mention of pagination hints at use for large result sets, but no concrete guidance is given.

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