set_channel_mute

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It correctly states the muting behavior but does not disclose side effects, permission needs, or error handling. Adequate for a simple toggle.

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?

Single sentence, efficient and to the point. However, it could include more useful information without significant bloat, such as expected return values or the effect of the boolean.

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 simplicity of the tool (two params, no nested objects, output schema exists), the description is minimally adequate. It lacks explanation of the output or failure modes, but for a straightforward toggle this is acceptable.

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 0%, so description must compensate. It partially explains the 'channel' parameter (number or name, range 1-18) but provides no details on the 'muted' parameter (its boolean nature is only implied by the tool name). Insufficient for full understanding.

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 action (mute/unmute) and resource (input channel). It distinguishes from siblings like set_bus_mute by specifying 'input channel', and from other channel tools by the specific action.

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 when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance. The description implies usage for muting/unmuting channels but does not differentiate from similar operations or provide context like prerequisites.

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