Get Economic Data

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint false. The description adds context by stating that it returns 'recent data points with dates and values,' offering a behavioral trait (response shape) not covered by annotations. No contradiction with annotations.

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?

Three concise sentences: the first states purpose, the second describes return content, and the third provides valuable examples. Every sentence earns its place with no redundancy or filler.

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 full schema coverage, strong annotations, and no output schema, the description provides enough context by mentioning date/value pairs and common series. It does not define 'recent' when startDate/endDate are omitted, but the overall tool is straightforward and the description is adequate for a data retrieval 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?

Schema coverage is 100% since every parameter has a description. The description enhances this by listing common series IDs (GDP, CPIAUCSL, UNRATE, etc.) and their meanings, which helps the agent select appropriate values for seriesId.

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 specifies 'Get time series observations for a FRED economic data series,' which clearly names the verb and resource. It distinguishes itself from siblings like get_stock_quote and search_economic_data by focusing on FRED series and listing specific examples.

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 implies usage when a FRED series ID is needed and even provides common series IDs, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus search_economic_data or other alternatives. There is no explicit when-not guidance, so it remains implied rather than direct.

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