start_ralph

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It mentions generating files and enabling safety protections, but does not detail side effects, return values, or specific behaviors beyond initialization. Adequate but not rich.

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 concise, front-loaded with purpose, and contains no unnecessary information. It could be slightly more structured (e.g., bullet points), but overall efficient.

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 12 optional parameters and no output schema, the description covers overall intent but does not explain what happens after execution or how the agent should proceed. Adequate for a setup tool, but could be more complete.

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%, so baseline 3 is appropriate. The description adds no additional parameter meaning beyond what the schema already provides, but it does not need to compensate since coverage is high.

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's purpose: starting the Ralph Wiggum Loop, generating .ralph/ directory structure, safe mode scripts, and execution guide. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like start_feature or start_bugfix by specifying a unique cyclic development process.

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 indicates when to use ('when user needs to start the Ralph Wiggum Loop'), but does not explicitly exclude alternatives or provide guidance on when not to use it. The context is clear, but lacking exclusions.

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