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post_to_channel

Send a channel message to coordinate ongoing topics among multiple agents. Posts appear to all current members and trigger a webhook event.

Instructions

Send a message into a channel you have joined.

When to use: ongoing topical coordination among multiple agents ('deploy started', 'triage thread for incident-12'). For 1:1 use send_message; for fleet-wide one-shots use broadcast. The audience is exactly the current channel membership at post time.

Behavior: stores a channel_messages row, fires the channel.message_posted webhook event, and surfaces in every member's get_channel_messages whose joined_at <= post.created_at. Same RELAY_MAX_PAYLOAD_BYTES cap as direct messages. Encrypted at rest when keyring is configured. Auth: caller must be a current member AND hold the channels capability.

Returns: { success: true, message_id, channel_name, from }.

Errors: NOT_MEMBER (caller has not joined the channel), AUTH_FAILED (missing channels cap), PAYLOAD_TOO_LARGE, NOT_FOUND, RATE_LIMITED.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fromYesSender agent name
contentYesChannel message content (max 64KB by default)
priorityNoMessage prioritynormal
agent_tokenNoYour agent token (from register_agent response). Optional here — also resolvable from RELAY_AGENT_TOKEN env or X-Agent-Token header.
channel_nameYesChannel to post to
Behavior5/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden and does so thoroughly: it discloses the storage side effects (channel_messages row, webhook event, visibility in get_channel_messages with a joined_at filter), payload cap, encryption-at-rest behavior, and detailed auth requirements (current member + channels capability). Also enumerates all error cases.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Every sentence earns its place: purpose, when-to-use, behavior, auth, returns, and errors are each one focused line. Front-loaded with the action, and tightly structured with labeled sections. Zero wasted words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Despite high complexity (5 params, 5 error states, auth requirements, side effects, and no output schema or annotations to fall back on), the description covers everything needed: return shape, error conditions, behavior, and alternatives. Complete and self-sufficient for a mutation tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds meaningful value beyond the schema by explaining the RELAY_MAX_PAYLOAD_BYTES cap tied to content, the resolution order for agent_token (explicit > env > header), and the audience semantics tied to channel_name. This elevates it above baseline.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb and resource ('Send a message into a channel you have joined') and clearly distinguishes it from siblings — send_message for 1:1, broadcast for fleet-wide one-shots. It precisely scopes the audience to current channel membership at post time.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly states when to use ('ongoing topical coordination among multiple agents') and names two concrete alternatives (send_message for 1:1, broadcast for fleet-wide one-shots), plus clarifies audience scope. This is a textbook example of usage guidance.

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

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