streamlabs_start_replay_buffer

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. While it states the action and its general purpose, it does not describe side effects, state changes, idempotency (if already started), error conditions, or any resource implications. This is a significant gap for a state-changing 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?

The description is a single sentence with a helpful parenthetical clarification. It is front-loaded, concise, and every word earns its place without fluff.

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 no-parameter tool, the description adequately explains the purpose and benefit. It could mention the relationship to stop_replay_buffer and save_replay, but the core functionality is clear enough. The lack of output schema and complexity lowers the demand on the description.

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 tool has zero parameters, and the schema covers everything (100% coverage). The description does not need to add parameter details, so the baseline of 4 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 states the action: 'Start the replay buffer', with a specific verb and resource. The parenthetical explains the purpose ('lets you save instant replays of the last N seconds'), which differentiates it from siblings like stop_replay_buffer and save_replay.

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?

The description gives clear context on when to use the tool (when you want to enable instant replay capture), but it does not explicitly mention when not to use it or name alternative tools like stop_replay_buffer or save_replay. Still, the parenthetical implies the intended workflow.

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