skypilot_api_start

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

Annotations only cover openWorldHint and destructiveHint=false. The description adds real behavioral context: deploy mode 'fully utilizes resources', metrics and basic auth are optional add-ons, and foreground mode would permanently block the server so it is unsupported. That is meaningful disclosure beyond the annotations.

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 tight sentences with zero filler; the primary action is front-loaded and the limitation note is appropriately placed last.

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?

An output schema exists so return values need no explanation, and the description covers the key operational semantics for a start tool. It is slightly incomplete given the undocumented host and metrics_port parameters, but otherwise sufficient.

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 0%, so the description must carry parameter meaning. It explains deploy, metrics, and basic auth (with 'fully utilizes resources' for deploy), but leaves host and metrics_port completely undocumented, so it only partially compensates for the coverage gap.

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 and resource ('Start the SkyPilot API server'), which cleanly distinguishes it from sibling lifecycle tools like skypilot_api_stop and skypilot_api_status. It is clear, though it does not explicitly name the sibling alternatives.

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?

It gives the condition for deploy=True and mentions optional metrics/auth, and it flags that foreground mode is not available via MCP. However, it offers no explicit when-to-use-this-vs-skypilot_api_stop/status guidance or prerequisites, so usage is only implied.

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