Create Snapshot

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

The description only adds that it returns a confirmation message on success, which is minimal. It does not disclose behavior for encrypted VMs (the optional vm_password parameter), name conflicts, or whether the VM needs to be powered on. Annotations already indicate it is not read-only, but the description provides little extra behavioral context.

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 brief and front-loaded with the purpose. However, the Args section duplicates schema information and is somewhat redundant, but it remains compact and structured.

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?

The tool has no output schema, so the description should clarify expected behavior. It mentions a confirmation message but lacks details about error handling, prerequisites (e.g., VM existence), or relationship to sibling snapshot operations. The optional vm_password parameter is not addressed in the description, making it incomplete for encrypted VMs.

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 already describes all three parameters with 100% coverage. The description's Args section merely repeats the schema entries and omits the vm_password parameter entirely, providing no additional semantic meaning beyond the schema.

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 'Create a new snapshot of a VMware Fusion virtual machine', identifying the specific verb and resource. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like revert, delete, and list snapshots.

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 creating snapshots by its very purpose, but it does not explicitly state when to use it versus alternatives or mention any prerequisites. It is a self-explanatory create operation, so the usage is implied rather than explicitly guided.

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