flash_lights

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

No annotations provided, so description must disclose behavior. It mentions 'restores original state' which is good, but omits whether the operation is blocking, concurrency, or required permissions. The core behavior is described adequately for a simple tool.

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?

Very concise: two sentences plus two one-line parameter descriptions. The main purpose is front-loaded, no redundant information.

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 low complexity and existence of an output schema (not shown), the description covers the essential behavior and parameter usage. Could mention default scope (all lights if not specified) or error handling, but overall it's nearly complete.

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%, so description must compensate. It provides brief explanations for both parameters ('Number of flashes', 'Optional list of light names'), which adds minimal value beyond types and defaults. Baseline is 3 due to low coverage, and the compensation is adequate but not exceptional.

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 tool flashes lights on/off to get attention or say hello, and restores original state. It provides a specific verb and resource, but doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like pulse_lights or alert_flash.

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 vs alternatives, no prerequisites or exclusions. The description implies usage for momentary attention but lacks explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use advice.

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