Spreadsheet overview

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

With all annotations false, the description carries the full burden and does list the return content (sheet names, size, header row, column types, samples). However, it says nothing about whether the tool modifies anything, requires special permissions, or how it handles invalid paths, so behavioral disclosure is only partial.

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?

Two short sentences with no filler. The routing instruction and the prohibition on built-in readers come first, followed by a compact list of the output's contents, making it easy for an agent to scan.

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 one-parameter info tool with no output schema, the description adequately states what the agent will get. It could be more complete by noting that the tool is read-only or what happens on missing/invalid files, but those are minor gaps given the tool's simplicity.

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 single path parameter is 100% covered by the input schema, including accepted extensions and tilde expansion. The description only restates 'any spreadsheet or CSV file path', adding no syntax, formatting, or usage details beyond the schema, so the baseline 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 clearly defines the tool as a spreadsheet/CSV overview entry point, stating exactly what it returns: sheet names, size, header row, column types, and samples. It distinguishes itself from built-in file readers, but does not explicitly route between sibling sheet_* tools, so it falls just short of full sibling differentiation.

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 says to call this tool for any spreadsheet or CSV file path and forbids using built-in readers for them, which is a strong when-to-use/when-not-to-use rule. It also positions the tool as 'start here', but it does not give explicit conditions for preferring siblings like sheet_read or sheet_stats over this tool.

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