acknowledge_alert

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

Discloses that it maps to POST /alerts?action=takeownership, assigns to API user, and alert remains active. Adds preview behavior beyond annotations. IdempotentHint already provided, so description complements it well.

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?

Efficient structure: bold purpose, mapping explanation, then bullet-like args. No redundancy, front-loaded with key distinction.

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?

Covers behavior, arguments, preview mode. Lacks return value description, but acceptable given no output schema. Still sufficiently complete for an agent to use.

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 has 0% coverage, but description fully explains each parameter: alert_id is UUID, confirmed must be True for actual action (default preview), target is optional configuration name. Adds critical meaning.

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?

Clearly states the tool acknowledges an alert by taking ownership, explicitly says it does not cancel, and distinguishes from sibling tool 'cancel_alert'. Uses specific verb 'acknowledge' and resource 'alert'.

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?

Provides clear context: it's for acknowledging active alerts without canceling. Mentions preview functionality when 'confirmed=False', guiding usage. However, lacks explicit when-not-to-use compared to alternatives.

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