kaiten_create_checklist

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

Annotations already declare this is a non-readonly, non-idempotent, non-destructive, open-world mutation. The one piece of added value is the claim that the checklist is created empty, which tells the agent items are not bulk-created here; nothing is said about permissions, duplicates, or what happens if the card id is invalid. With annotations covering the safety profile, a 3 is appropriate.

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?

A single short sentence with the verb and scope front-loaded and no filler. Its brevity is a strength, though the space saved could have been spent on the missing parameter and usage details.

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?

An output schema exists, so return values need not be described, and this is a simple three-parameter creation tool. Still, the description leaves sort_order and the relationship to checklist-item tools unexplained, so it is only minimally sufficient.

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 description coverage is 0%, so the description must carry parameter meaning and it largely does not. 'Named checklist on a card' loosely maps to the required name and card_id, but sort_order is never explained and no format expectations (e.g. name length, integer card id) are supplied.

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 names a specific verb ('Create') and resource ('checklist') plus the container ('on a card') and the constraint that it starts empty. It does not distinguish this from siblings like kaiten_list_checklists or kaiten_update_checklist, but the create action itself is unambiguous.

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?

There is no explicit guidance on when to reach for this tool versus kaiten_add_checklist_item or kaiten_update_checklist. The word 'empty' hints that items must be added separately, but that inference is left to the agent rather than stated.

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