Capture a still to the vault gallery

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

Annotations already indicate a non-read-only, open-world operation. Description adds crucial side effects: writes PNG to <gallery>/images/ and appends to <gallery>/<note>.md, plus default date behavior and prerequisite TDMCP_VAULT_PATH. No contradiction with annotations.

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?

Three sentences, each adds value: purpose, mechanics, and use cases/prerequisite. Well-structured and front-loaded with the main action.

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 write tool with 6 params and no output schema, description covers purpose, side effects, location details, and required environment variable. It is sufficiently complete for an agent to know when to call it and what to expect.

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 covers 100% of parameters with descriptions, so baseline is 3. The description adds workflow context (defaults to today's date, daily accumulation) but does not elaborate on individual parameters beyond the schema. It is acceptable but not exceptional.

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 clearly states 'Captures a preview still from a TOP and appends it to a dated gallery note in the Obsidian vault', identifying both the action and target. This differentiates it from sibling vault tools like save_component_to_vault or export_network_to_vault, which target different resources.

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?

Provides explicit use cases: 'Use this to document looks, reference frames, or build a browsable gallery of your session's visuals.' It does not mention alternatives or exclusions, but the context is sufficient for when to use it.

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