delegate_task

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

No annotations are present, so the description carries the behavioral burden. It discloses the side-effect of transcript capture, the verbatim return behavior, and backend/model override semantics. It does not discuss latency, cost, or authentication, but those are not critical for selecting or invoking this tool correctly.

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 organized with a front-loaded summary followed by a clear Args block. Every parameter is explained in one or two lines, and there is no redundant or filler content.

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 single-shot delegation tool, the description covers purpose, parameter semantics, backend resolution, and the return behavior. With an output schema present and sibling context available, no critical invocation detail is 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?

The schema has 0% description coverage, but the description fully documents all five parameters, including the relationship between backend and model, overriding behavior, and the opt-in nature of capture_transcript. This completely compensates for the schema gap.

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 'Delegate a single-shot task to a configured OpenAI-compatible model' and 'return its text response verbatim.' The 'single-shot' qualifier distinguishes it from the sibling delegate_agentic_task, though it does not explicitly name that sibling.

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?

It gives concrete guidance on when to use capture_transcript ('when comparing models, e.g. a bake-off') and when not ('rather than for routine use'), and explains backend selection versus DELEGATE_* env vars. It does not explicitly describe when to choose delegate_task over delegate_agentic_task, but context signals and the 'single-shot' phrasing provide reasonable guidance.

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