sdcloud_validate_template

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behaviors. It notes that the tool returns a job id (async) and requires polling for status. However, it does not clarify if the operation is read-only or has any side effects, leaving some ambiguity.

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 concise: only two sentences, no filler. It front-loads the primary action and then the follow-up step, making it efficient for an agent to parse.

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 asynchronous nature and lack of output schema, the description covers the basic flow but omits potential error cases, prerequisites, or expected outcomes. It is reasonably complete for a simple validation tool but leaves some context gaps.

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 description does not elaborate on the two parameters: template_id and body. The schema provides a brief description for body ('JSON request body matching the target Security Director Cloud schema'), but template_id lacks any description. The overall description adds no semantic detail beyond 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 clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Validate a configuration template against its mapped devices.' It specifies the return type (job id) and the next step (poll sdcloud_get_template_validate_status). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like deploy or preview.

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 indicates when to use this tool (for validation before deploy/preview) and mentions the polling follow-up. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or list alternative tools for similar tasks.

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