home_automation

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose side effects and constraints. It only details the output of 'list' (state and last trigger time). For trigger, enable, disable, it does not state whether actions are immediate, reversible, or require specific permissions. This lack of transparency for mutation operations is a significant gap.

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 sentences, front-loaded with the tool's purpose. The second sentence could be integrated into the first, but overall it is efficient. No unnecessary words.

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's multi-action nature, no output schema, and two parameters, the description is incomplete. It does not describe the effect or output of trigger, enable, disable, nor any prerequisites or error conditions. The agent lacks full context for effective invocation.

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 meaning for the 'action' parameter by explaining the 'list' output. However, it does not elaborate on 'entity_id' beyond its schema description, nor does it clarify how the action affects entity_id for non-list operations.

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 identifies the tool as managing Home Assistant automations with actions: list, trigger, enable, disable. It distinguishes from sibling tools like home_light or home_climate by focusing on automations. However, it only elaborates on the 'list' action, leaving other actions partially defined.

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 implies the tool is for automation management but provides no explicit guidance on when to use it vs alternatives like home_get_state or home_scene. No exclusions or conditions are stated, so usage context is implied but not explicit.

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