entities_bulk_control

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

With no annotations, the description covers key behaviors: grouping by domain, issuing one service call per domain, allowed actions, and return type. It does not mention error handling or side effects but is sufficiently transparent for a control tool.

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?

Two sentences: first states the core purpose, second adds grouping detail and return value. Every sentence is informative; no redundant text.

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?

Given a simple tool with output schema (return dict described) and no complex side effects, the description covers essential aspects. Minor omission: no mention of error handling or prerequisites, but overall complete for its class.

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 coverage is 0%, but the description adds critical value by enumerating allowed actions ('turn_on','turn_off','toggle') despite no schema enum, and explains entity_ids as a list of entities, clarifying usage beyond the bare schema.

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 explicitly states it performs bulk turn_on/turn_off/toggle on entities, grouping by domain, which clearly distinguishes it from single-entity tools like entities_turn_on and entities_toggle.

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 implies usage for bulk control of multiple entities and explains the domain grouping strategy, but does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives like entities_bulk_set_state.

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