abdm_pause

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

Annotations already indicate a mutating, non-destructive, idempotent operation. The description adds the 'active' qualifier, clarifying that only currently active tasks are intended targets, but it does not disclose behavior for already-paused, completed, or nonexistent tasks. This is acceptable but not deeply informative beyond the annotations.

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 filler. Every word contributes: the verb, the scope ('one or more'), the target ('active download tasks'), and the input mechanism ('by ID').

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 tool with one parameter, an output schema, and annotations covering idempotency and destructiveness, the description is nearly sufficient. It could be more complete by explicitly directing the agent to sibling tools for pausing all tasks or resuming, but nothing essential to invoking this tool correctly is missing.

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 0%, so the description must carry the parameter meaning. It does so by specifying that download_id refers to one or more active download task IDs, which aligns with the schema's string-or-array type and adds the 'active' constraint. While it doesn't explain how to obtain valid IDs, the simple single-parameter design makes the semantics reasonably clear.

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 action ('Pause'), the resource ('active download tasks'), and the selection mechanism ('by ID'), while also conveying that multiple tasks can be paused at once. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like abdm_pause_all, which pauses all tasks rather than specific IDs.

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 usage: call this when you want to pause specific download tasks identified by ID, rather than all tasks. However, it does not explicitly mention alternatives such as abdm_pause_all for pausing everything or abdm_resume for reversing the action, so guidance relies on inference from the tool name and siblings.

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