set_chain_volume

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

With no annotations provided, the description must fully disclose behavior. It only mentions the valid volume range, but omits details like idempotency, error handling for out-of-range values, or what happens if indices are invalid. Minimal behavioral context.

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 sentence that conveys the core purpose and constraint immediately. No extraneous or redundant information.

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?

Despite the presence of an output schema, the description is insufficient for a tool with four required parameters and no annotations. It lacks explanation of index parameters, usage constraints, and behavioral guarantees, making it hard for an agent to invoke correctly without additional context.

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 four parameters with no descriptions; the description only adds context for 'volume' (range 0.0–1.0). It does not explain 'track_index', 'device_index', or 'chain_index', leaving the agent with only the schema property names to infer meaning.

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 ('Set the volume') and the target resource ('a rack chain'), with a specified valid range (0.0–1.0). It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'set_chain_pan' and 'mute_chain', which handle different properties.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'set_chain_pan' or 'mute_chain'. The description does not mention prerequisites, context, or situations where this tool is appropriate.

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