Get Transition Duration

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is clear. The description adds that it returns duration in milliseconds, which is useful but minimal. It doesn't mention potential errors (e.g., no current transition) or whether it returns a default value, but given the annotations, a 3 is appropriate.

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 a single, concise sentence that directly states the tool's function. No filler or redundant information. It is appropriately front-loaded and efficient.

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 getter with no parameters and no output schema, the description is nearly complete. It specifies the resource, attribute, and unit. It could mention that it returns the current transition's duration, but the description already implies 'current transition'. Given the simplicity, this is adequate.

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 tool has zero parameters, and schema description coverage is 100% (vacuously). The description correctly notes the output unit (milliseconds), which adds meaning beyond the empty schema. Since there are no parameters, the description's job is minimal, and it fulfills it.

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 tool retrieves the duration of the current transition in milliseconds. It specifies the resource (transition) and the attribute (duration), which is clear and distinct from sibling tools like obs-get-transition-settings or obs-set-transition-duration.

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 for reading transition duration but does not explicitly state when to use this over alternatives. It doesn't mention that this is a read-only query or that it complements obs-set-transition-duration. No exclusions or alternative tool references are provided.

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