open_in_excel

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

Discloses key behaviors: saves the session, opens visible window, edits in Excel are one-way (no backflow). No annotations exist, so description carries full burden effectively.

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?

Three sentences, front-loaded with the core action, no redundant words, efficiently conveys all needed information.

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?

Covers all necessary context: saving before open, one-way edit flow, recovery procedure. No output schema, but behavior is fully described.

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?

Only one parameter (session_id) with no schema description (0% coverage). The tool name and context make session_id self-explanatory, and the description adds context about saving the session, but does not elaborate on the parameter itself.

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 'Open the workbook in a visible Excel window for the user to see,' specifying the action and resource, and distinguishes it from sibling tools like open_workbook (likely background).

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 mentions that it saves the session first, and provides clear instructions on handling edits: they do not flow back, and to continue editing, user must save/close Excel and use close_workbook and open_workbook again.

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