play_sound

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

With no annotations, the description takes on full disclosure responsibility. It usefully reveals that preset sounds play at a fixed volume and that volume control is impossible in this mode. It also mentions the return type as a status message, though it does not detail error behavior or prerequisites like device connection.

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 reasonably short and front-loaded, but it repeats the 'preset sound sample' concept multiple times. The args section also restates information already covered in the prose, making it slightly less tight than it could be.

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 one-parameter tool, the description covers the core behavior, the valid range, and a key limitation. However, it leaves out whether a connected device is required, what happens with an invalid sound_id, and what the status message contains. Since no annotations or detailed output schema are present, some operational ambiguity remains.

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 schema only defines sound_id as an integer, with zero description coverage. The description compensates by explaining that sound_id is a 1-8 selector and that each ID maps to a different preset sample. It does not enumerate what each preset sounds like, but it provides enough meaning for correct invocation.

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 action and resource: play a preset sound sample from the Thingy speaker. It adds that there are 8 preset sounds, so the tool's function is understandable. However, it does not explicitly distinguish itself from the sibling tool 'beep', which likely also produces sound.

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 gives some practical context by noting that preset sounds have no volume control and that only frequency mode supports volume. This implies when not to use this tool, but it does not name an alternative tool or explicitly state when to choose play_sound over beep.

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