create_workspace

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of disclosure. It fails to mention the default setAsActive=true behavior that changes the active project, nor does it address error conditions like existing workspace conflicts. The optional addition of projects is a behavioral detail, but significant side effects are omitted.

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, front-loaded with the primary action, and contains no waste. It efficiently conveys the core purpose and the optional project addition.

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?

The tool is fairly simple, but the description omits important context such as the side effect of setting the workspace as active by default and guidance on distinguishing from add_project_to_workspace. The schema covers parameters well, but behavioral and usage context is incomplete for a tool with no annotations or output schema.

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 each parameter described. The description adds minimal value by mentioning the optional project addition, but it does not elaborate on semantics beyond what the schema already provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate since schema handles the parameter documentation.

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 creates a new Xcode workspace and optionally adds existing projects, which is a specific verb+resource. It distinguishes from siblings like create_xcode_project (creates a project) and add_project_to_workspace (adds to an existing workspace) by focusing on workspace creation.

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 the tool is for creating workspaces, but it does not explicitly state when to use it over alternatives such as add_project_to_workspace or create_xcode_project. No exclusion criteria or context for when not to use it is provided, leaving the usage guidance implicit.

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