list_playlist_snapshots

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden of signaling safety, and the verb 'List' plus the word 'stored' reasonably convey a read-only operation over persisted snapshot data. It adds no further behavioral detail about ordering, pagination, storage scope, or what a snapshot contains, so the disclosure is only partial.

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 concise sentence with the core behavior front-loaded and the optional filter in a parenthetical. There is no filler or redundant wording.

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?

For a low-complexity listing tool with two optional, fully documented parameters, the description covers the operation and the filter adequately, and the schema covers response_format behavior. The main gaps are the lack of any explicit differentiation from list_saved_snapshots and the absence of a stated output shape, which prevents a perfect score.

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 already documents both parameters completely, including the response_format enum semantics and defaults, so the description does not need to add much. The phrase 'optionally filtered by playlist_id' simply restates the schema description for playlist_id and adds no new meaning.

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 names a specific action ('List') and resource ('stored snapshots') and mentions the optional playlist_id filter, so an agent can tell what the tool operates on. It does not distinguish itself from the similarly named sibling list_saved_snapshots, and the phrasing partly restates the tool name.

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 guidance is given about when to use this tool versus alternatives like list_saved_snapshots, take_playlist_snapshot, or restore_playlist_from_snapshot. The only contextual hint is the parenthetical filter, which is a filtering condition rather than a usage rule. An agent must infer the intended use case from the tool name alone.

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