create_discussion_topic

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

Annotations indicate non-idempotent and non-destructive. The description adds a caution about not using it for announcements, which helps prevent misuse, but does not detail permission requirements or side effects beyond that.

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 concise, with two sentences covering purpose and a crucial warning. No unnecessary information or verbose phrasing.

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?

The description adequately covers the tool's function and a key misuse case. Since no output schema is specified, return details are not required, and the warning adds practical completeness.

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 already provides clear descriptions for all parameters. The tool description does not add extra meaning or context beyond what the schema offers, so it stays at the baseline.

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?

Clearly states it creates a new discussion topic for a course. The description distinguishes it from announcement tools by warning against using it as a workaround, making the purpose 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?

Explicitly provides a when-not scenario: never use it to post or work around a failed course announcement. It instructs to report the failure instead, giving clear usage boundaries.

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