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gridstack_is_area_empty

Check if a specific grid area is empty by providing coordinates and dimensions to verify widget placement availability.

Instructions

Check if an area is empty

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
xYesX position
yYesY position
wYesWidth
hYesHeight

Implementation Reference

  • The handler function that implements the core logic for the gridstack_is_area_empty tool by generating the appropriate GridStack JavaScript code call.
    private async isAreaEmpty(params: any): Promise<string> {
      const { x, y, w, h } = params;
    
      return this.utils.generateGridStackCode("isAreaEmpty", {
        area: { x, y, w, h },
        code: `const isEmpty = grid.isAreaEmpty(${x}, ${y}, ${w}, ${h});`,
      });
    }
  • Registration of the tool in the listTools() method, defining its name, description, and input schema.
    {
      name: "gridstack_is_area_empty",
      description: "Check if an area is empty",
      inputSchema: {
        type: "object",
        required: ["x", "y", "w", "h"],
        properties: {
          x: { type: "number", description: "X position" },
          y: { type: "number", description: "Y position" },
          w: { type: "number", description: "Width" },
          h: { type: "number", description: "Height" },
        },
      },
    },
  • Switch case in callTool() method that dispatches execution to the specific handler for this tool.
    case "gridstack_is_area_empty":
      return this.isAreaEmpty(args);
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only states the action ('Check if an area is empty') without detailing what 'empty' means (e.g., no widgets, obstacles), the return format (e.g., boolean, error messages), or any side effects like performance impacts. This leaves significant gaps in understanding the tool's behavior.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is extremely concise with a single, front-loaded sentence ('Check if an area is empty') that directly states the tool's function. There is no wasted verbiage, making it efficient for quick comprehension, though this brevity contributes to gaps in other dimensions.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the complexity of a grid/layout system implied by sibling tools, no annotations, and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It lacks details on what constitutes an 'empty' area, how results are returned, and any behavioral nuances, making it insufficient for an agent to fully understand the tool's role and usage in this context.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% description coverage, with clear parameter definitions (x, y, w, h as position and dimensions). The description adds no additional meaning beyond this, as it doesn't explain coordinate systems, units, or constraints. With high schema coverage, the baseline score of 3 is appropriate, as the schema adequately documents parameters without extra help from the description.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose3/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description 'Check if an area is empty' clearly states the tool's purpose with a specific verb ('Check') and resource ('area'), but it's vague about what context this area exists in (e.g., a grid or layout system). It doesn't distinguish from siblings like 'gridstack_will_it_fit', which might have overlapping functionality for area validation.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, it doesn't specify if this is for pre-placement validation, conflict detection, or other scenarios, nor does it mention prerequisites or exclusions, leaving the agent to infer usage from context alone.

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

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