parse_url

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

No annotations are provided, so the description alone must disclose behavioral traits. It states that content is extracted as text or markdown, but it does not mention limitations (e.g., size limits, authentication needs, rate limits, or handling of dynamic content). This lack of detail leaves the agent uncertain about the tool's 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?

The description is a single concise sentence that front-loads the purpose. Every word adds value—'Parse any URL', examples, and output format. No unnecessary 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 simple tool with two parameters and no output schema, the description is adequate but lacks details on error handling, content limitations, or behavior with different URL types. An AI agent might need more context (e.g., this may not handle login-required content). Sufficient for basic use, but gaps exist.

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?

The input schema covers 100% of parameters with descriptions: url (string, uri) and output_format (enum, default). The description adds no new information beyond what the schema provides. It mentions 'text or markdown' which is already in the enum. Baseline 3 applies due to high schema coverage.

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 clearly states the tool's purpose: parsing any URL (web pages, YouTube, PDFs) and extracting content as text or markdown. The verb 'Parse' and resource 'URL content' are specific, and the list of examples distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_youtube_transcript and parse_file.

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 suggests a broad use case but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus its siblings (get_youtube_transcript, parse_file). For instance, it mentions YouTube and PDFs, but those have specialized tools. No 'when not to use' or alternative recommendations are given.

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