discover_devices

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

With no annotations, the description conveys basic behavior: it uses mDNS and can include cached devices. However, it lacks details on side effects, permission requirements, or failure modes, which are important for an exploration/discovery 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?

A single, clear sentence effectively communicates the core function. However, adding brief parameter context would improve without harming conciseness.

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 presence of an output schema, the description is minimally complete. It covers the discovery method and caching option but omits parameter semantics and usage context, which are necessary for full completeness.

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 description coverage is 0%, and the description does not explain the parameters beyond their names. The meaning of 'cached' or the impact of 'timeout_seconds' is not clarified, leaving the agent uninformed.

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 (discover), resource (SteamOS Devkit devices), and method (mDNS). It distinguishes from sibling tools like adb_devices or register_device by specifying the discovery mechanism.

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 guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus its siblings. There is no mention of prerequisites, context, or scenarios where alternatives like adb_devices might be more appropriate.

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