esxi_power_on

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

No annotations are provided, so the description bears the full burden. It only states the action without disclosing important behavioral details such as idempotency, whether the operation waits for the guest OS, permission requirements, or error behavior for already-powered-on VMs.

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 a single, front-loaded sentence with zero redundant words. It achieves maximum conciseness while maintaining clarity.

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 lack of annotations and output schema, the description is too sparse. It does not mention return values, asynchronous behavior, or interaction with VM state, leaving critical context unexplained for a power-mutating operation.

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 description coverage is 100% with both 'vm_id' and 'device_id' described. The description adds no additional parameter semantics, but the schema already provides adequate meaning, warranting the baseline score of 3.

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 'Power on a VM on ESXi' uses a specific verb and resource, clearly stating the action. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like esxi_power_off, esxi_restart_vm, and esxi_suspend_vm by indicating the exact lifecycle operation.

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 implies usage: use this tool to power on a VM. However, it does not explicitly state when to use it versus alternatives, nor does it mention prerequisites or conditions like the VM being powered off.

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