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Create Engine COMP

create_engine_comp

Create an Engine COMP to load an external .tox file in an isolated subprocess with independent cook and GPU thread, ideal for hosting heavy or unstable TouchDesigner subgraphs.

Instructions

Drop a TouchDesigner Engine COMP that loads an external .tox in a separate TD subprocess — an independent crash domain with its own cook + (optionally) a second GPU thread, ideal for hosting heavy or unstable subgraphs. Sets the .tox file, optional reload pulse (re-pulls the .tox once), perform-mode override, and color-map toggle. The .tox's own outTOP/outCHOP/outSOP/outDAT operators surface as connectors on the Engine COMP for downstream wiring. Complements make_portable_tox (which produces the shippable .tox). Note: sub-process spin-up forks a TD process — the first cook can be multi-second on slow disks; that is not a hang. par.reload / par.usecolormap / par.performmode are guarded with hasattr so unverified par names degrade to warnings rather than throwing.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameNoNode name for the new Engine COMP.engine1
parent_pathNoParent COMP path the Engine COMP is created inside (default '/project1')./project1
tox_pathYesPath to the .tox file the sub-engine loads. Forward-slash recommended; absolute or project-relative.
reloadNoWhen true, pulse the Engine COMP's reload par so the .tox is re-pulled once at creation.
use_color_mapNoMirror the Engine COMP's color-map toggle (UNVERIFIED par name 'usecolormap' — guarded with hasattr).
perform_modeNo'on' forces the sub-engine to cook in perform mode; 'off' forces it off; 'auto' leaves the par at its default. (UNVERIFIED par name 'performmode' — guarded with hasattr).auto
Behavior5/5

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

Annotations only provide readOnlyHint=false, destructiveHint=false, openWorldHint=true. The description adds significant behavioral traits: subprocess creation, crash domain, optional GPU thread, guarded parameters with hasattr, and warning about multi-second first cook. No contradictions with annotations.

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

Conciseness3/5

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

The description is informative but somewhat lengthy with multiple sentences. It is front-loaded with the main purpose, but some technical details (e.g., hasattr guard) could be condensed without losing clarity.

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

Completeness4/5

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

For a tool with 6 parameters and no output schema, the description covers creation behavior, subprocess details, guard mechanisms, and sibling relationship. It does not explain error conditions beyond the hasattr warning, but overall it is fairly complete given the complexity.

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

Parameters3/5

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

Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description provides context about the reload pulse, perform-mode override, and color-map toggle but does not add significant semantic meaning beyond what the schema already describes for each parameter.

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 clearly states the tool creates a TouchDesigner Engine COMP that loads an external .tox in a separate subprocess, specifying the resource and action. It distinguishes from siblings by noting it complements make_portable_tox.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description indicates ideal usage for heavy or unstable subgraphs and provides caveats about spin-up time. It mentions complementing make_portable_tox but does not explicitly state when not to use or provide alternative tools.

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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