Get temporary link

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, and the description adds useful behavior: the URL expires in roughly 4 hours, is direct, and supports download/streaming. This goes beyond the annotation by clarifying the temporary nature and the fact that no permanent shared link is created.

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 sentences with no filler. The core action and key constraint (time-limited URL) are front-loaded, and every clause adds relevant guidance.

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 single-parameter read-only tool, the description is complete: it names the resource, the purpose, the temporary nature, and the distinction from permanent links. With no output schema, the phrase 'Get a direct ... URL' also conveys the return value sufficiently.

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 100%, so the path parameter is fully documented in the input schema. The tool description does not need to repeat it; it only adds the context that the path refers to a file. This meets the baseline without adding significant new parameter meaning.

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 uses a specific verb ('Get') and a precise resource ('direct, time-limited (~4h) download/streaming URL for a file'). It clearly distinguishes this from permanent shared links, which is relevant given siblings like dropbox_create_shared_link, dropbox_list_shared_links, and dropbox_get_shared_link_metadata.

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 states when to use it: 'reference or fetch file contents without creating a permanent shared link.' This gives clear context and implicitly excludes permanent-share scenarios, though it does not explicitly name alternate tools or list when-not-to-use conditions.

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