Multistart Optimize

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full disclosure burden, and 'non-blocking' is a genuinely useful behavioral trait (it tells the agent the call returns immediately rather than blocking). However, it omits how progress is observed, whether the run persists across calls, and that the 'resume' parameter implies a prior run can be reattached — all material for an async job launcher.

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?

One tightly written sentence with no filler and the key qualifier 'non-blocking' front-loaded. It is efficient, though for a 12-parameter asynchronous optimizer it borders on under-specified rather than genuinely concise.

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?

There is no output schema, no annotations, and 12 parameters, yet the description says nothing about what starting a run returns (a handle? a job id?), how to monitor it via zemax_multistart_status, or how to abort via zemax_multistart_stop. For a fire-and-forget async tool this leaves the agent guessing at the surrounding workflow.

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 description coverage is 100% and every one of the 12 parameters has an inline description, so the schema does the heavy lifting. The tool description adds no additional meaning about defaults, ranges, or interaction effects (e.g., maxTrials vs maxRestarts). Baseline 3 applies.

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?

States a specific verb (Start) and resource (randomized multistart constrained optimization), with modifiers that separate it from zemax_optimize and zemax_constrained_optimize. It does not, however, explicitly name any sibling or contrast itself with zemax_global_search or zemax_hammer, which occupy similar optimization territory.

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?

No when-to-use guidance, no prerequisites, and no reference to the companion tools zemax_multistart_status and zemax_multistart_stop that an agent would obviously need after starting a run. The word 'Start' implies a follow-up is required, but that inference is left entirely to the reader.

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