Tv Volume

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

With no annotations, the description carries the behavioral burden and discloses the key modes: a no-arg read returns current volume and mute status, while level/direction/mute perform mutations. It does not cover edge cases like argument conflicts, error behavior, or required permissions, but the core behavior is transparent.

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 front-loaded, bulleted, and free of filler. Every sentence maps directly to an invocation mode.

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 description covers the multi-mode behavior of a 4-optional-parameter tool and output schema exists to cover return values. It does not specify precedence when multiple optional arguments are supplied together, which is a minor gap.

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 100%, so the baseline is 3, but the description adds useful mode examples such as level=25, direction="up"/"down", and mute=True/False/None. It omits tv_name, which is fully covered by the 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 states a specific resource (volume/mute) and the exact operations available: get, set, step up/down, and toggle mute. It clearly separates this tool from siblings like tv_audio and tv_display by focusing only on volume and mute behavior.

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 bullet list gives explicit usage patterns for no args, level, direction, and mute, which tells the agent when each mode applies. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusions among sibling TV tools, so it stops short of full routing guidance.

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