launch_simulation

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

With no annotations, the description should disclose behavioral traits. It states it opens the simulator and loads the design but omits side effects, permissions required, or the state changes (e.g., starting a simulation session). The description is insufficient for an agent to understand the full impact of invoking this 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?

Two sentences with no unnecessary words. The description is front-loaded with the key action and resource. Every word earns its place.

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 has one parameter and no output schema, the description fails to explain the broader context, such as that launching a simulation creates a session used by other tools (e.g., add_signals_to_wave, step_simulation). It does not specify what 'loads the design' means or whether it affects existing sessions.

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%, so baseline is 3. The description adds no value to the 'mode' parameter beyond the schema; it only mentions 'behavioral simulation' while the schema lists other modes. This can mislead the agent into thinking only behavioral mode is available, detracting from clarity.

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 verb 'launch' and resource 'simulation (xsim)', indicating it opens the simulator and loads the design. However, it only mentions 'behavioral simulation' despite the schema supporting multiple modes, which could cause confusion but still distinguishes from siblings like 'run_simulation' or 'close_simulation'.

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 explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'run_simulation' or 'open_project'. It does not mention prerequisites like having an open project or a loaded design, leaving the agent to infer usage context.

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