add_slice

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only reveals that adding while the effort is active is scope growth, but says nothing about side effects, reversibility, permission requirements, or what happens to existing slices. For a mutating operation, this is insufficient 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 extremely concise, with two short sentences that both contribute information. The first defines the action; the second adds a relevant caveat. However, it is too sparse, and the structure lacks any emphasis on the parameters or usage context. Still, it is efficient and not padded with filler.

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 the tool's complexity is low (2 parameters) and an output schema exists, the description need not detail returns, but it still must explain parameter semantics and usage context. It does neither, and it omits key behavioral details beyond the single scope-growth note. The description is inadequate for an agent to confidently invoke the tool without additional guessing.

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 description coverage is 0%, and the description does not explain either parameter ('title' or 'effort'). The agent must rely solely on the schema's field names, which are generic and could refer to IDs, names, or other identifiers. The description adds no meaning to the parameters, failing to compensate for the lack of schema documentation.

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 verb ('Add') and resource ('a slice'), which clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like close_slice, drop_slice, and rename_slice. The added note about scope growth when the effort is active provides meaningful context about the action's implication, going beyond a bare restatement.

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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention any preconditions, alternatives, or situations where this tool is preferred. The scope-growth note is a behavioral warning, not a usage guideline, leaving the agent to infer the appropriate context.

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