switch_tab

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

The description indicates the tool changes the active tab, which is a mutation action. No annotations exist, so the description carries full burden. It omits side effects like losing focus on the current tab or prerequisites like having the tab ID. However, for a simple switch action, the core behavior is clear.

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 concise sentence with no redundant information. It is appropriately sized for the simplicity of the action, though it could benefit from slightly more detail.

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 the tool's simplicity and the presence of an output schema, the description is minimally adequate. However, it lacks guidance on how to obtain tab_id and does not mention return value behavior (e.g., success or error). Compared to sibling tools with richer descriptions, it feels incomplete.

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% for the only parameter 'tab_id', and the description does not explain the parameter's meaning or format. The parameter name is self-explanatory to some extent, but the description should explicitly state that tab_id is the identifier of the tab to switch to.

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?

Description clearly states the action ('Switch') and the resource ('a specific tab'). It is distinct from sibling tools like 'new_tab', 'list_tabs', and 'close_tab', which perform different operations on tabs.

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?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., new_tab, navigate). The description implies usage for focusing a specific tab but provides no explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use context.

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