Back Up Whatbox Service Configuration

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

Annotations provide no safety hints (all false). The description adds valuable behavioral context: it checks local free space first and returns only counts, which is beyond what the schema or annotations convey.

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?

Two concise, front-loaded sentences. No filler, every clause adds value (destination, timestamping, output format, precondition).

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 one-parameter tool with no output schema, the description covers the main action, destination, return type, and a precondition. It lacks details like overwrite behavior or remote-side effects, but these are less critical for this tool type.

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?

With 0% schema description coverage, the description partially compensates by mentioning 'service configuration directories', which implies the 'services' parameter selects which services to back up. It also clarifies the allowlist concept, but does not explicitly tie the parameter to the action.

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 states a specific verb ('Download'), a clear resource ('service configuration directories'), and a destination ('local download directory'), distinguishing it from read-only sibling tools like whatbox_configuration_status.

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 implies usage context (backing up configurations), but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives or mention any exclusions. Sibling differentiation is implicit via the tool name and action, but not directly addressed.

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