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Watch operator parameter changes

watch_parameter_changes

Detect parameter changes in TouchDesigner. Subscribe to change events, receive notifications with previous and new values, and manage watches via watch, unwatch, and list actions.

Instructions

Opt-in: subscribe to param.changed events for an operator's parameters. When a watched parameter's value changes in TouchDesigner (by a human or a script), the bridge broadcasts a {path, par, prev, value, frame} event on the TD event stream, forwarded to the MCP client as a logging notification. Use action='watch' to register (optionally scoped to named parameters), 'unwatch' to remove, and 'list' to see active watches. Events only arrive when the server's TD event stream is enabled (TDMCP_EVENTS); param.changed is treated as a high-frequency event (coalesced bridge-side so a slider drag can't flood). Survives TDMCP_BRIDGE_ALLOW_EXEC=0.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathNoOperator path to watch for parameter changes, e.g. /project1/level1. Required for action='watch'/'unwatch'; omit for action='list'.
actionNo'watch' registers a subscription, 'unwatch' removes it (or just the named parameters), 'list' returns all active watches.watch
parametersNoOptional list of parameter names to watch (e.g. ['opacity','level']). Omit to watch every parameter on the operator.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathNoThe canonical operator path (for watch/unwatch).
countNoNumber of active watches (for the 'list' action).
actionYesThe action that was performed: watch, unwatch, or list.
watchesNoEvery active watch (for the 'list' action).
watchingNoWhether an active watch remains on this op after the action.
parametersNoParameters now watched on this op, or null for a watch-all subscription.
Behavior5/5

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

The description discloses several behavioral traits beyond the annotations: the opt-in nature, the event payload shape, the bridge-side coalescing to prevent flooding, and the fact that it works even when TDMCP_BRIDGE_ALLOW_EXEC=0. It also notes that events only arrive when the server's TD event stream is enabled, adding environmental context.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is composed of four sentences, each contributing critical information: the core subscription behavior, the action syntax, the event stream prerequisite and coalescing behavior, and the bridge allow_exec note. It is dense but not redundant.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the annotations, output schema, and the detailed description covering opt-in semantics, actions, event conditions, and subscription scope, the description is contextually complete for this tool's complexity.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema already documents all three parameters with descriptions, covering 100% of the schema. The description adds value by explaining the interplay between `action` and `parameters` (e.g., 'parameters' is optional and scoped for watch/unwatch, omitted for list), and provides an example path in the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool subscribes to `param.changed` events for an operator's parameters, with a specific event payload. It distinguishes from sibling tools like `watch_node` by focusing on parameter-level changes rather than node-level watching.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It provides explicit context for when to use it: opt-in subscription, with three actions ('watch', 'unwatch', 'list') and prerequisites like the TD event stream being enabled. However, it does not explicitly name alternative tools or when not to use it, so it falls short of a 5.

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

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