HN Algolia User Profile

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

Annotations already declare readOnly, idempotent, open-world, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds useful behavioral context by noting the about/bio text is HTML-stripped and that no authentication is required, which is not derivable from the annotations alone.

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 main action and return payload are front-loaded in the first sentence, followed by short clarifying notes. The data attribution at the end is somewhat extraneous for tool invocation, but it does not bloat the description or obscure the key information.

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 with a rich output schema, the description supplies the essential extra context: data source, API family, lack of auth, and how it relates to the Firebase alternative. Nothing critical for selecting and invoking the tool is missing.

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% and the schema itself documents the username parameter with examples and case-sensitivity. The description does not add much semantic detail beyond restating that the profile returns username and karma, so the 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?

The description names a specific action ('Fetch') and a precise resource ('HackerNews user profile via the Algolia API'), then lists the returned fields. It also distinguishes itself from the Firebase user endpoint, which appears as a sibling tool, so an agent can tell this apart from similar profile tools.

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?

It explicitly notes this is a lightweight alternative to the Firebase user endpoint and states no auth is required, giving clear context for when it is appropriate. It does not fully spell out when-not conditions or direct the agent to alternate tools by name, but the context is strong enough for a simple read tool.

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