continue_playback

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It indicates resumption without resetting, but omits prerequisites (e.g., playback must be stopped) and potential side effects (e.g., if already playing). For a simple command, this is basic 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 a single, front-loaded sentence with no extraneous information, earning every word.

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?

Despite lacking verbose details, the description is complete enough for a simple playback resume action. Minor gaps about prerequisites or edge cases exist but are acceptable given the tool's straightforward nature.

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 sole parameter 'ctx' is a standard MCP Context object with well-known semantics. The description adds no parameter-specific insights, but the schema provides minimal context via its definition. Baseline 3 is appropriate given low description contribution.

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 'Resume playback from the current position without resetting it.' It identifies the specific verb (resume) and resource (playback), and differentiates from sibling tools like start_playback and stop_playback by emphasizing position retention.

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 implicitly suggests use when playback is stopped and position is to be preserved, but does not explicitly state when to use vs. alternatives (e.g., start_playback) or provide any exclusions.

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