APIbase

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It effectively discloses return data structure (names, roles, images) and data source (MyAnimeList via Jikan), compensating for missing output schema. Could improve by mentioning rate limits or caching behavior.

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?

Single efficient sentence with em-dash structure. Front-loaded with action verb, zero waste. Every clause earns its place by specifying either the operation, target resource, or return data structure.

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 1-parameter lookup tool with no output schema, the description is complete. It explains what data is returned (names, roles, images) and identifies the external API source (Jikan), providing sufficient context for invocation without output schema documentation.

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 has 100% coverage with 'id' parameter fully described as 'MyAnimeList ID'. Description mentions 'MyAnimeList via Jikan' reinforcing the ID context, but baseline is 3 when schema coverage is high and description doesn't add syntax/format details beyond 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?

Description uses specific verb 'Get' with clear resource 'character cast and Japanese voice actors' and scope 'for an anime'. It distinguishes from siblings like anime.titles.details (general info) by specifying character/VA data specifically.

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?

Provides clear context that this retrieves character-specific data, implying use when VA/cast info is needed. However, lacks explicit when-not-to-use guidance or naming of alternatives like anime.titles.details for general metadata.

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