set_desktop_environment

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full behavioral disclosure burden. It only says 'Switch', implying a state change, but does not mention side effects, reversibility, impact on running sessions, or whether Xfce must already be available. This is a significant gap for a mutation 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 sentence with no filler, front-loading the action and both target states. Every word earns its place for the small amount of information conveyed.

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 state-changing tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is under-specified. It fails to communicate what happens to the current desktop session, whether the switch is reversible, or what a successful invocation looks like. The simple boolean schema reduces complexity, but key operational context is still missing.

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 100%, and the boolean parameter's description already explains that true means 'Use a real Xfce desktop instead of the virtual desktop.' The tool description aligns with this but adds no additional semantic detail beyond what the schema provides.

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 ('Switch'), a clear resource ('the running computer'), and the exact scope ('between virtual and Xfce desktops'). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like terminal_execute or computer_ui, which target different concerns, without needing to inspect schemas.

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 alternatives, nor are there any exclusions or prerequisites. An agent can infer the tool is for desktop environment switching, but nothing in the description helps decide between this and related computer-control tools.

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