cyd_pause

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does disclose a key behavioral trait: the pause is cooperative and deferred until the next cyd.update(), which adds real value. However, it does not mention whether the pause is reversible, how to resume, or what side effects may occur, which are relevant for an agent invoking a control command.

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 brief and front-loads the essential behavior ('pause') before explaining the cooperative mechanism. The opening fragments 'Machine-specific (cyd).' and 'Control, any layer.' add some noise, but the overall structure is efficient and easy to parse.

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 zero-parameter schema and simple command semantics, the description is mostly complete for invocation. It explains what the command does and its distinctive timing behaviorcars. It omits guidance on resumption or state implications, but those are secondary for a minimal pause command.

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 tool has zero parameters Removal: 0 params = baseline 4. The description adds no parameter semantics because none exist, and the empty input schema is fully covered. This is appropriate for a parameterless command.

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 uses a specific verb ('pause') and identifies the target resource ('the foreground MicroPython app'). It further clarifies the cooperative nature by specifying the pause occurs at the next cyd.update(), which distinguishes it from immediate interruptions. The phrase 'Control, any layer' is vague, but the core purpose remains clear.

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 does not state when to use this tool versus alternatives such as cyd_resume or cyd_step. It provides no explicit usage context, prerequisites, or exclusions, leaving the agent to infer when a cooperative pause is appropriate.

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