Reset Stopwatch

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 disclosure. It does disclose the central side effect—clearing accumulated time—but does not mention whether the reset is irreversible/destructive, whether a stopwatch must already exist, or how a running stopwatch is affected.

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 filler. The parenthetical adds crucial clarification about the effect, and every word contributes to understanding the tool.

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 with an output schema present, the description covers the core action, the target, and the result. It is slightly incomplete only in not stating explicit usage boundaries or prerequisites, but overall it is sufficient for correct selection and 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 description coverage is 0%, and the only parameter is a generic 'id'. The description partially compensates by indicating the stopwatch belongs to 'a card', implying id is the card ID, but it does not explicitly define the parameter or its format.

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 a specific action ('Reset') on a specific resource ('the stopwatch on a card') and adds the key effect ('clears accumulated time'). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like start_stopwatch, stop_stopwatch, and get_stopwatch.

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 tool's purpose strongly implies when to use it: when a card's stopwatch time should be cleared. However, it does not explicitly contrast with start/stop/get stopwatch tools or state when not to use it, leaving usage guidance mostly implicit.

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