shutdown_session

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It discloses key behavioral traits: it's a destructive operation (shutdown/stop/cancel) and mentions both kernel and SLURM job termination. However, it doesn't address permissions needed, whether changes are reversible, or error conditions, leaving gaps in 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 efficiently structured with a clear purpose statement followed by separate Args and Returns sections. Every sentence earns its place by providing necessary information without redundancy, making it easy to parse and understand.

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?

Given the tool's complexity (destructive operation), no annotations, and an output schema (which handles return values), the description is reasonably complete. It covers purpose, parameter meaning, and return confirmation, though could benefit from more behavioral details like prerequisites or side effects.

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?

With 0% schema description coverage and only 1 parameter, the description adds essential meaning by explaining 'session_id' as a 'Session identifier', which clarifies what the parameter represents beyond just its name. This compensates well for the lack of schema documentation.

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's purpose with specific verbs ('shutdown', 'stop', 'cancel') and resources ('session', 'kernel', 'SLURM job'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like start_new_session which have opposite functions. It precisely communicates the tool's destructive termination action.

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 implies usage context by specifying it's for shutting down sessions, suggesting it should be used when a session is no longer needed versus starting tools. However, it doesn't explicitly state when-not to use it or name specific alternatives, missing full explicit guidance.

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