live_snapshot

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It discloses the source ('shared memory'), the instantaneous nature, and the data categories. It doesn't mention error states (e.g., if AC is not running) or update frequency, but for a snapshot tool with zero parameters, the key behaviors are sufficiently covered.

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 two sentences with no wasted words. The first sentence lists the data categories, and the second provides a use case. Every sentence earns its place, and critical information is front-loaded.

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 zero parameters and no annotations, the description is quite complete. It explains what data is returned and when to use it. It could optionally mention error handling (e.g., if AC is not running), but this is a minor gap for a simple snapshot tool.

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?

There are 0 parameters and schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema provides no ambiguity. The description adds meaning beyond the schema by explaining what the output contains (car, track, session, tyre data, etc.), effectively documenting the return structure since no output schema details are known.

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 the tool returns 'current instantaneous state from shared memory' and explicitly lists the data categories (car, track, session status, tyre pressures/temps, fuel, lap times). This specific verb-resource pairing ('live snapshot' -> current state) distinguishes it from sibling tools like list_sessions or lap_summary, which return historical or derived data.

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 provides direct usage guidance with 'Useful to confirm AC is running and see conditions,' which implies immediate, low-latency reads. While it doesn't explicitly contrast with siblings, the 'live' nature and data categories hint that this is for real-time monitoring, not historical analysis.

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