create_automation

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behaviors. It mentions the automation runs hourly, which is useful, but does not describe other behavioral traits such as permission requirements, whether it activates immediately, or error handling for invalid conditions. The guidance on time-based fields adds some transparency, but more details are needed for a creation 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?

Two concise sentences, no wasted words. The first sentence covers purpose and scheduling, the second gives requirements and a helpful tip. Information is front-loaded and easy to parse.

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?

Given 4 parameters, nested objects, and no output schema, the description covers the key aspects: purpose, usage condition, and parameter hints. It lacks detail on the return value or what happens after creation, but for an automation creation tool, the information provided is largely sufficient for an AI agent to use it correctly.

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 coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds value by emphasizing that conditions require a time-based field and that title, conditions, and actions are all required. This goes beyond the schema's parameter descriptions to clarify semantics and proper usage.

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 verb 'create' and resource 'automation', and specifies that it runs hourly on matching tickets. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like create_trigger (event-based) and create_macro (manual execution).

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?

Explicitly states required parameters (title, conditions, actions) and provides a key rule: conditions should include a time-based field; otherwise consider using a trigger instead. This gives clear when-to-use and when-not-to-use guidance.

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