clear_playlist

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

Annotations already indicate destructive and non-read-only behavior. The description adds meaningful context: the preview/confirm flow and the environment variable gate that must be enabled for mutations. This goes beyond what annotations and schema provide, helping the agent understand operational requirements and safety.

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, efficient sentence with a parenthetical for the two key execution details. It is front-loaded with the core action and contains no filler. Every part earns its place.

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 destructive tool, the description covers the action, the preview/confirm safety mechanism, and the environment prerequisite. It doesn't describe return values or preview output, but the absence of an output schema and the simplicity of the operation make this acceptable. The destructive nature is well-handled with the gate mention.

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 coverage is 100%, with both parameters described. The description reiterates the confirm behavior ('preview unless confirm=true') but adds no new parameter-specific meaning. The playlistId is straightforward as 'rating key' in the schema. Since the schema carries the parameter semantics, a baseline score of 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 uses a specific verb ('Clear') with a clear resource ('all items from a playlist'), which precisely distinguishes it from siblings like remove_from_playlist (removes specific items) and delete_playlist (deletes the whole playlist). The parenthetical adds key execution details (preview/confirm, env var) without muddying the core purpose.

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 clearly implies when to use it (to empty a playlist entirely) and provides critical usage context: the preview mode unless confirm=true and the required environment variable PLEX_ENABLE_MUTATIVE_OPS=true. It doesn't explicitly name alternatives, but the sibling names and the phrase 'clear all items' make the distinction obvious.

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