start_db_system

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It states the action ('Start all nodes') but lacks critical behavioral details: whether this requires specific permissions, if it's reversible, expected duration, or what happens if nodes are already running. This is inadequate for a potentially destructive operation.

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?

Two sentences, zero waste. The first states the core purpose, the second provides essential parameter context. Perfectly front-loaded and appropriately sized.

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 tool that starts a DB system (a significant operation) with no annotations and no output schema, the description is insufficient. It lacks behavioral context, error conditions, prerequisites, and expected outcomes, leaving critical gaps for an AI agent.

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%, but the description adds meaningful context for compartment_id ('required to enumerate nodes correctly'), explaining its purpose beyond the schema. However, it doesn't clarify db_system_id's role or format, leaving some parameter semantics incomplete.

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 ('Start all nodes') and resource ('DB System'), making the purpose unambiguous. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'start_db_node' or 'start_instance', which would require a 5.

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 like 'start_db_node' or 'reboot_db_node'. The note about compartment_id is a parameter requirement, not usage guidance.

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