smarthome_chat

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

With no annotations, the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It mentions routing through a domain-agent dispatcher under auth scope, but omits critical details: side effects (if any), permissions required, rate limits, or what happens on failure. The return value is not described, even though an output schema exists. This is insufficient for an action-oriented 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 extremely concise: three short paragraphs with clear separation of purpose, routing context, and parameter arguments. Every sentence serves a purpose, and the main action is front-loaded. No wasted words.

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 (2 optional params, no required fields), the description lacks an explanation of what the tool returns or how the output can be used, despite the existence of an output schema. It also fails to provide usage guidance or behavioral context. The coverage is adequate for a basic understanding but incomplete for reliable invocation.

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 adds meaningful information beyond the schema: 'message: Free-text objective for the action' and 'inputs: Optional JSON string of structured inputs'. Since schema coverage is 0%, this fills a key gap. However, it could specify allowed keys or format for inputs for greater precision.

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 'Run the smarthome domain agent action `chat`', specifying a precise verb and resource. It distinguishes this tool from other domain-specific chat tools (e.g., coding_chat, commerce_chat) by explicitly naming the smarthome domain. The routing context adds clarity without confusion.

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 (e.g., other chat tools like smarthome_command_plan or smarthome_scene_assist). There are no when-to-use, when-not-to-use, or prerequisite statements, leaving the agent to infer based solely on the tool name.

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