mark-as-read

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

No annotations provided. Description discloses behavior: marks as read, returns confirmation. Could mention idempotency or safety, but adequate for a simple operation.

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?

Short, front-loaded, no wasted words. Three sentences cover purpose, return, exclusions, and prerequisite efficiently.

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 one required parameter, no nested objects, and an output schema, the description covers all essential aspects. Prerequisites and return value are addressed.

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?

Input schema has 0% coverage, but description adds meaning by specifying the parameter 'id' context (by id) and source (from search-messages/list-messages). Provides needed guidance.

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 uses specific verb 'marking' and resource 'a single message (by id) as read'. It clearly distinguishes from sibling tools like batch-mark-as-read and mark-as-unread.

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?

Explicitly states when to use (single message read) and when not to use (batch or unread). Provides prerequisite: get id from search-messages or list-messages.

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