create_announcement

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states the core behavior (creating an announcement) and the scheduling behavior (delayed_post_at causes it not to post now). However, it does not disclose permissions, reversibility, or side effects beyond the basic mutation. This is moderate transparency for a mutation tool.

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?

Two sentences, front-loaded with the core action, and each sentence adds distinct value. There is no wasted text, and the scheduling instruction is placed where it matters. Excellent conciseness.

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?

Given the tool has 4 parameters, no annotations, and only a minimal description, it is incomplete. It does not cover parameter semantics, error conditions, or permission requirements. The output schema exists but does not compensate for the missing guidance on when to use and behavioral expectations. It is adequate for a simple action but does not fully equip the agent for correct 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 description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It explains only delayed_post_at (that it schedules instead of posting now) but does not explain title, message, or course_identifier. This leaves three required parameters semantically unaddressed, which is a significant gap given 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?

Description states a clear verb ('Create'), a specific resource ('announcement'), and distinguishes it from siblings like update_announcement, delete_announcement, and list_announcements. It also clarifies a key option (scheduling vs immediate posting), 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?

The description clearly indicates this tool is for creating announcements and provides an explicit usage option for scheduling via delayed_post_at. However, it does not explicitly contrast with alternatives like create_discussion_topic, but the resource is specific enough that context is implied. No exclusions are given, but the purpose is clear.

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