Ytdlp Download Subtitles

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

Annotations already mark readOnlyHint=false and destructiveHint=false. The description adds key behavioral context: it does not download the video. However, it does not disclose other traits like file storage location or side effects, but the annotations mitigate the burden.

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 sentences, no extraneous information. Purpose and usage are front-loaded efficiently.

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 an output schema existing, the description does not reference what the tool returns (e.g., subtitle files, transcripts). It also lacks prerequisites or limitations. For a tool with high complexity and many parameters, the description is too brief to be fully actionable.

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% and the description does not explain any parameters. With 14 parameters including a 'subtitles' object, the description should clarify key options like subLangs and subFormat. The schema alone is insufficient for an agent to know how to configure subtitle downloads.

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 verb 'download' and the resource 'subtitles or captions', and crucially specifies 'without downloading the video'. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like ytdlp_download_video and ytdlp_list_subtitles.

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?

Provides explicit use scenarios: 'when the user asks for subtitle languages, auto captions, subtitle formats, subtitle files, transcripts with timestamps, or subtitle conversion'. This gives clear guidance on when to invoke this tool over alternatives.

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