OBS Registration Status

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

No annotations provided, so description must carry full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only states it 'reads' status, but does not mention authentication requirements, data freshness, potential side effects (none expected), or any other behavioral traits. For a read-only tool with no annotations, the description is insufficient on safety and prerequisites.

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, front-loaded sentence that immediately communicates the action and resource. No extraneous words or 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?

Given the tool has no parameters, an output schema exists (though not described), and the description covers the core purpose. It could be improved by noting that no arguments are needed, but it is largely complete for a simple read-only tool.

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?

No parameters exist, so schema coverage is effectively 100%. The description adds no parameter information, but none is needed. Per guidelines, 0 parameters yields a baseline of 4, and the description meets that baseline by not introducing confusion.

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 explicitly states 'Read OBS registration and course-registration status (active/class level)'. The verb 'Read' indicates a safe query operation, and the specific resource ('OBS registration and course-registration status') with a hint of the returned data ('active/class level') clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like obs_auth_status (auth status) or obs_get_profile (profile info).

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?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. With multiple OBS tools (e.g., obs_list_registered_courses, obs_auth_status), the description does not specify that this is for checking active registration status as opposed to listing registered courses or verifying authentication. Provides no context for when to invoke it.

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