Can app metadata and tool descriptions improve how ChatGPT discovers tools from installed Apps?

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a ChatGPT App with several tools that help users with travel-related tasks, such as:

  • comparing travel insurance options
  • finding eSIM/mobile data plans for a destination
  • checking visa or entry requirements
  • finding airport lounges or VIP lounge access

I’m trying to understand how much we can improve tool discovery through metadata and prompt-style descriptions.

For example, if a user says:

“Do I need internet for Japan?”
“Can I wait comfortably at Madrid airport?”
“Do I need a visa for Canada with an Argentine passport?”

I want ChatGPT to correctly infer the relevant installed App/tool, even when the user does not mention the exact tool category directly.

Questions:

  1. How much does ChatGPT rely on the app description, tool names, tool descriptions, and parameter descriptions when deciding whether to call a tool from an installed App?

  2. Is it recommended to write tool descriptions using explicit intent patterns like “Use this when the user wants…”?

  3. Should tool descriptions include indirect examples such as “internet abroad”, “mobile data in Europe”, “airport lounge access”, or “entry requirements”?

  4. Is there a risk of adding too many synonyms or examples and making the tool appear too broad?

  5. What is the best way to test precision and recall for tool discovery?
    For example, should we create a prompt set with:

    • direct prompts
    • indirect prompts
    • negative prompts where the tool should not be called
  6. For purchase-related flows, is it better to separate browsing tools from checkout tools?
    Example:

    • one tool to browse eSIM plans
    • another tool only when the user chooses a specific plan or clearly asks to purchase
  7. Are there any current best practices for improving installed App/tool discovery without making metadata look like keyword stuffing?

Any guidance, examples, or documentation references would be appreciated.

Great questions, @ManuelDario.

I’ve not dove in on apps myself, but I’m watching this thread with interest!