set_current_layer

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

Without annotations, the description must disclose all behavioral traits. It mentions the creation side effect but leaves ambiguity about whether the color parameter also updates an existing layer's color or is only used for creation. This is a significant gap for a state-changing tool.

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 sentence, front-loaded with the primary action and purpose, with no wasted words. It is appropriately concise for the tool's complexity.

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?

While the tool is simple and an output schema exists, the description lacks critical behavioral context (side effects on existing layers), usage guidance, and parameter clarity. It is not complete enough for an agent to invoke safely without additional assumptions.

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%, so the description must compensate. It hints at 'color' in the creation context but does not explain the 'name' parameter or clarify how color behaves when the layer already exists. This is insufficient for a 2-parameter tool.

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 uses a specific verb 'Set' and resource 'current layer', and explicitly mentions the creation behavior when missing, which clearly distinguishes it from siblings like create_layer. It tells exactly what the tool does.

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 gives no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as create_layer or set_current_color. The parenthetical 'if missing' implies a use case but no explicit context, exclusions, or alternative suggestions are provided.

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