chown

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

Discloses 'Destructive: modifies filesystem ownership metadata' beyond the destructiveHint annotation. Also mentions elevated privileges and dry-run preview. No mention of rollback, but sufficient for agent safety.

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?

Six sentences, front-loaded with main action. Every sentence adds value, no redundancy. Efficiently communicates key points.

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 schema coverage, annotations, and lack of output schema, the description covers purpose, usage, behavior, and return type. No gaps for this tool's complexity.

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 coverage is 100%. Description does not add deeper meaning beyond schema descriptions for parameters like 'owner' and 'paths'. Baseline score is appropriate.

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?

Clearly states 'Change file user ownership with dry-run support.' Identifies verb and resource, and distinguishes from 'chgrp' and 'chmod' by specifying what it does not do.

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?

Explicitly says 'Use to transfer file ownership between users. Not for group-only changes — use 'chgrp'. Not for permission changes — use 'chmod'.' Provides clear when-to-use and when-not-to with alternative tool names.

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