set_volume

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

Beyond the annotations, the description discloses that the operation is additive and reversible, requires Automation access for Music, and returns the resulting now-playing state. These are meaningful operational details for a write operation and go well beyond readOnlyHint=false and destructiveHint=false.

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 three tight sentences that front-load the action and range, then add behavior and return information. Every sentence contributes useful information with no repetition.

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 simple one-parameter setter that already has an output schema, annotations, and a stated permission requirement, the description is complete enough to invoke correctly. It covers range, side-effect profile, auth, and return state without needing to restate the output schema.

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% and the sole parameter has no schema description, so the description must carry the load. It does so by specifying that level is the 0–100 volume range, though it does not state out-of-range handling.

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 verb and resource: setting the Music app sound volume, with an explicit 0–100 range. It is clear enough to distinguish from read-only tools like now_playing, but it does not explicitly differentiate from the broader music_control sibling.

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?

Usage is implied by 'Set the Music app sound volume,' so an agent can infer this is the volume-setting tool. However, the description gives no explicit when-to-use guidance versus music_control or now_playing and names no exclusions, leaving sibling selection partly to inference.

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