codex_cancel

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

The description reveals the mechanism (killing tmux session), indicating a forceful termination. However, with no annotations, it fails to disclose side effects like data loss or reversibility, leaving some behavioral ambiguity.

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 is direct and front-loaded with the action. However, it is overly terse and could benefit from additional context without being wasteful.

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 cancellation tool with one parameter and an output schema, the description explains the purpose and mechanism. However, the lack of parameter documentation reduces completeness, though the output schema may compensate for return values.

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 input schema has 0% description coverage for the single required parameter 'task_id'. The description does not explain what task_id represents or how to obtain it, forcing the agent to infer from the tool name alone.

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 cancels a running Codex task by killing its tmux session. This specific verb and resource distinguish it from siblings like codex_dispatch (submit tasks) and codex_status (check status).

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 canceling running tasks, but provides no explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives like waiting for completion or other cancellation methods. No exclusions or prerequisites are mentioned.

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