create_service_backup

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

With no annotations, the description carries full transparency burden. It discloses that the operation is a plain write with no billing impact and is not destructive. It could mention backup retention limits or concurrency, but the provided information is sufficient for an agent to understand the behavioral profile.

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—four short sentences, each adding distinct information. It front-loads the purpose and follows with critical usage details, with no unnecessary words or redundancy.

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?

For a simple creation tool with no output schema, the description is adequate but leaves gaps: it does not describe the return value (e.g., backup ID or status), error conditions, or limits on backup frequency. Given the tool's low complexity, this is acceptable but not comprehensive.

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 schema description coverage is 100%, and the description adds value by specifying that service_id should come from list_services. This helps the agent know how to obtain the required parameter beyond the schema's type definition.

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 action ('Create an on-demand backup'), the resource type ('legacy VPS service'), and differentiates from sibling tools (there is no other create_backup tool). It is specific and unambiguous.

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 provides prerequisites (scope services:write) and safety guidance (no billing impact, not destructive), and tells how to obtain the parameter. However, it does not explicitly discuss when not to use this tool or alternative methods for backup creation.

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