start_service

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

Description does not disclose any behavioral traits. No annotations are provided, so the agent has no information about side effects (e.g., does it stop first if running?), required permissions, or rate limits. The description 'Start a service' implies a safe operation but lacks detail.

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 extremely short (one sentence) but it is not efficiently conveying useful information. It is under-specified rather than concise. It does not earn its place as it adds no value over the name.

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 simplicity of the tool (one parameter, no nested objects), the description is still insufficient. It fails to explain return values, state transitions, or whether the tool is idempotent. The context is incomplete for an agent to use correctly.

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 fully describes the single parameter 'uuid' with a description 'Service UUID'. The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so it achieves the baseline of 3.

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?

Description 'Start a service' is tautological with tool name 'start_service'. It does not differentiate from sibling tools like start_application or start_database, and provides no additional context about what starting a service entails.

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 restart_service or deploy. No prerequisites or preconditions are mentioned.

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