Update my Now Playing status

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. Discloses persistence until changed, behavior of next_checkin_at (dead-man's-switch, strip shows 'back in 23m' and red MIA badge), and that it updates the Boardroom Now Playing strip. Detailed and transparent.

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?

Description is well-structured: first sentence for purpose, then usage, then persistence, then parameter details. Every sentence adds value. Slightly verbose but justified by complexity of next_checkin_at.

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 tool with 3 params, no output schema, and no annotations, the description covers purpose, usage, behavior, and parameter semantics comprehensively. Agent has full information 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?

Schema coverage is 100%, baseline 3. Description adds value: explains agent_id as stable identifier, status as plain English present-tense max 200 chars, and next_checkin_at with ISO 8601/relative duration examples and behavior on expiry. Adds meaning beyond schema.

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 it updates the current status for the Boardroom Now Playing strip, specifies the verb 'Update', the resource 'status', and gives explicit use cases (start task, change focus, idle out). It differentiates from siblings like 'set_my_emoji' by focusing on status text.

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?

Explicitly says when to call: start task, change focus, idle out. Mentions the dead-man's-switch and clearing status. Does not compare directly to sibling tools but provides clear context. Could be improved with a note on alternatives.

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