ibmcloud_plugin_install

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the full burden of disclosing behavior. 'Install' implies a system modification, but the description does not mention side effects, permissions required, whether the installation is silent, or what happens if the plugin already exists. The 'force' parameter hints at reinstallation behavior, but the description itself provides no transparency.

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, front-loaded sentence with no extraneous words. It efficiently states the tool's core action, making it easy to scan.

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?

The tool is relatively simple, but the description is too minimal to be fully complete. There is no output schema, and the description does not explain return values, installation source, or potential failure modes. For an installation tool, more context about expected behavior would be needed.

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 input schema has 100% description coverage for its two parameters, so the schema already explains 'plugin' and 'force'. The description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond the schema, meeting the baseline for high schema coverage.

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 'Install a CLI plugin' clearly states the verb and resource, making it distinct from sibling tools like plugin_list and plugin_repo_plugins. It is concise and unambiguous, though it could be more specific about which plugin repository or source is used.

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?

No usage guidance is provided. The description does not indicate when to use this tool versus installing via other means, nor does it mention any prerequisites or context for installing a plugin (e.g., needing to be logged in).

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