colab_start

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses a significant behavior: 'On quota/preemption, release unused sessions and retry later', which implies a destructive side effect. However, it does not state whether the call blocks, what happens to the current session, or any permission requirements.

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?

Two short sentences, no filler. The first sentence states the purpose, and the second provides important failure-handling context. Every word earns its place.

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?

Despite full schema coverage, the description is too sparse for a tool with no annotations and no output schema. It does not explain what 'allocate compute' returns or how the caller should use the session, nor does it clarify the full scope of 'release unused sessions'.

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 both 'gpu' and 'session' have detailed descriptions. The tool description adds no extra parameter meaning, so the baseline of 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?

The core action is clearly stated as 'Allocate compute', which is a specific verb+resource. The name 'colab_start' and the behavioral detail about quota/preemption help distinguish it from start-like siblings, though it could more explicitly say 'start a session'.

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 gives no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like colab_process_start or colab_allocation_probe. The only usage-related hint is the quota/preemption contingency, which is operational rather than a selection criterion.

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