clear_playlist

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full behavioral transparency burden. It discloses the mutative nature via the environment variable requirement and the preview/confirm workflow, which are critical for safe usage. It does not mention irreversibility or other side effects, but the core safety behavior is well 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 a single sentence that front-loads the action and includes critical caveats in parentheses. It is succinct and every element adds value without redundancy.

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 simple two-parameter tool with no output schema, the description covers the essential aspects: the operation, the preview/confirm mechanism, and the environment prerequisite. It could have explicitly noted that the action is permanent, but the overall context is sufficient for the tool's complexity.

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 schema already provides full documentation for both parameters (100% coverage). The description reinforces the confirm=true behavior and adds the environment variable context, but it does not add new information about parameter formats or semantics beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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 'Clear all items from a playlist', using a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'delete_playlist' (deletes the playlist itself) and 'remove_from_playlist' (removes specific items), making the purpose unambiguous.

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 important context: preview mode until confirm=true, and the requirement for PLEX_ENABLE_MUTATIVE_OPS=true. This tells the agent when it is safe to invoke the tool. However, it does not explicitly mention alternatives or when not to use this tool, so it stops short of a 5.

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