alexa_begin_login

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

Annotations only declare readOnlyHint=false, destructiveHint=false, openWorldHint=false; the description adds substantial context beyond that: the tool is non-destructive but initiates a multi-step out-of-band auth flow, the password never transits the server, and the link expires in 15 minutes. It also discloses the return values and the landing-page behavior the agent must expect.

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?

Front-loaded with the action and the return values, then the hand-off instructions, then the constraint. The single dense paragraph is justified by a multi-step flow, though the parenthetical browser advice is slightly more detail than strictly needed.

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?

No output schema exists, and the description compensates fully by naming both returned fields and explaining what the user will see next. For an auth-initiating tool with no parameters, this is complete: an agent knows what it gets back and what to do with it.

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?

The tool takes zero parameters, so there is nothing for the schema to document and no ambiguity to resolve. The description instead clarifies the outputs (signInUrl, loginId), which is more than required; baseline for 0 params is 4.

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?

States a specific verb+resource ('Start signing in to Amazon Alexa') plus a second explicit mode ('re-connect a revoked session'). It clearly names the sibling it pairs with (alexa_finish_login) and the return payload (signInUrl, loginId), so an agent can distinguish it from alexa_session_status or alexa_finish_login without opening a schema.

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?

Gives explicit when-to-use (initial sign-in or revoked session), the exact next step and tool to call with which argument ('call alexa_finish_login with it and the loginId'), and operational handling of the returned URL (hand to user, own browser, private tab). Nothing about sequencing is left to inference.

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