playlists_focus

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

The description discloses the key behavior that focusing does not trigger the playlist. However, without annotations, it fails to explain what 'focus' entails functionally (e.g., UI impact, prerequisites) or any potential side effects. It provides minimal behavioral context beyond the no-trigger aspect.

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 sentence of 6 words, extremely concise with no superfluous text. It front-loads the action and result, making it efficient for the agent 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 no output schema and many sibling tools, the description is too sparse. It omits information about return values, error conditions, and prerequisites. The agent lacks context on what happens after focusing or how to handle failures, making it incomplete for effective use.

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 input schema has 100% coverage with a description for playlistId. The tool description does not add any additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides, so the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

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 action ('Focus a specific playlist') and explicitly says 'without triggering it', which distinguishes it from trigger tools like playlists_trigger. It uses specific verb+resource and contrasts with related siblings.

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 focusing a playlist by ID without activation, but it does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternative focus tools (e.g., playlists_focus_next, playlists_focus_active_presentation). No when-not-to-use or prerequisite information is given.

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