Full scene-control snapshot

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

The readOnlyHint annotation already declares this is a safe read operation. The description adds value by disclosing the authoritative nature of the snapshot and its complete scope (all scenes + active id), as well as its role in resynchronization after connection or scene-change events.

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 two concise sentences that front-load the purpose and follow with explicit usage guidance. No wasted words.

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?

Despite having no output schema, the description fully specifies the return content (scene ids, names, active id). Combined with the usage context and read-only annotation, this provides a complete picture for an agent to select and invoke the tool.

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 input schema is empty, meaning there is nothing to explain. The description makes this clear by not mentioning any inputs, aligning with the 0-param baseline.

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 tool returns an authoritative snapshot of all scenes (scene_id + scene_name) and the active scene id, using a specific action ('snapshot') and resource ('scene state'). This differentiates it from sibling tools like get_scenes and get_active_scene by combining both into a single output.

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 states to call this to (re)sync after connecting or after specific events ('event.resync_required' and 'event.scenes_changed'). This provides clear context for when to use it, though it does not explicitly mention alternatives or exclusions.

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