remove_device

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral transparency. It only states the action ('unlink') without disclosing any consequences (e.g., irreversible? data loss? requires confirmation?). This lack of detail leaves the agent unaware of side effects or permissions needed.

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, front-loaded sentence with no wasted words. It is optimally concise, conveying the essential action and resource efficiently.

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 tool, the description captures the core purpose. However, it lacks context about the tool's effect (e.g., device unlinked loses access, data may be deleted) and does not differentiate from the sibling 'update_device'. Given the absence of annotations and output schema, the description is minimally adequate but leaves important gaps.

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 has 100% coverage with a clear parameter description ('Device ID (get from list_devices)'). The tool description does not add any additional meaning beyond the schema, so it earns the baseline score of 3 for not detracting from the schema's clarity.

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 'Unlink a device from your Signal account' uses a specific verb ('Unlink') and clearly identifies the resource ('device'), making the tool's purpose immediately obvious. It is not a tautology and distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'remove_contact' which operate on different resources.

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., 'update_device'), nor does it mention prerequisites like ensuring the device is linked or that the primary device cannot be removed. The parameter description hints at using 'list_devices' first, but this is not in the tool description itself, leaving the agent without clear usage context.

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