dmm_measure

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It says 'Configure and take a single measurement' but does not reveal whether the configuration persists, whether a trigger is required, whether the call blocks until a reading is ready, or what side effects occur on instrument state.

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 two concise sentences with a clearly structured Args section. Every element adds necessary information, and there is no redundant or filler language.

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?

For a single-parameter tool with an output schema, the description provides enough to make a plausible call. However, it lacks behavioral context such as side effects and does not clarify its relationship to the many sibling DMM operations, leaving meaningful ambiguity for an agent choosing among set_function, read, fetch, and trigger.

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 schema provides only a bare string type for 'function' with no enum or description, but the description lists all accepted values: VOLT:DC, VOLT:AC, CURR:DC, CURR:AC, RES, FRES, FREQ, PER. This significantly compensates for the 0% schema description coverage and makes the parameter actionable.

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 states a specific combined action: 'Configure and take a single measurement on the multimeter,' which clearly identifies the verb and resource. However, it does not explicitly differentiate this from closely related siblings such as dmm_set_function, dmm_read, or dmm_fetch, so it stops short of a 5.

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?

The description provides no guidance on when to use dmm_measure instead of dmm_set_function, dmm_read, dmm_fetch, or dmm_trigger. The 'Args' section only lists valid function values, with no mention of prerequisites, setup steps, or when not to use this tool.

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