compose_up

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

Beyond stating that it brings up services and optionally builds images, the description lacks behavioral details such as whether it reads environment files, handles dependencies, or what happens if services are already running. With no annotations, more burden falls on the description.

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 a single, well-formed sentence without unnecessary words. It could be expanded slightly for context, but it remains efficient and front-loaded.

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 no output schema, the description should explain what happens after invocation (e.g., services start, logs appear). It only states the action, leaving the user to infer results. Incomplete for a tool that starts multiple services.

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?

The input schema covers all four parameters with descriptions (100% coverage). The description repeats 'optionally build images' but adds no new parameter semantics beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.

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 tool's verb ('Bring up') and resource ('Docker Compose services'), and the optional build action. It distinguishes this from sibling tools like compose_down (tear down) and start_container (single container).

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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., run_container, start_container). The description implies it is for Docker Compose stacks but does not specify prerequisites or exclusions.

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