US Natural Gas Prices

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, destructiveHint=false, idempotentHint=true. Description adds sector and public domain context, which is helpful but minimal beyond annotations. No further behavioral traits like data freshness or rate limits are disclosed.

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?

Description is a single 9-word sentence that front-loads the core information. No extraneous content.

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 5 optional parameters and an output schema, the description does not mention default values (e.g., frequency default 'monthly', length default 24) or that state is optional. Returns are not explained, though output schema may cover that. Adequate but missing some useful context.

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 coverage is 100% with descriptions for all 5 parameters. Description does not add additional parameter details beyond what the schema provides, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

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?

Title 'US Natural Gas Prices' and description 'Natural gas residential/commercial/industrial prices by US state. EIA public domain' clearly specify the resource (natural gas prices) and scope (US state, sectors). It is distinct from sibling tools like finance.eia.electricity and finance.eia.petroleum.

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?

Description implies usage context (prices by state, public domain) but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives. No when-not-to-use or named alternatives are provided.

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