Start VM

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

Annotations only indicate it is not destructive and not open-world, but the description adds no behavioral context such as idempotency, blocking behavior, or side effects like requiring the VM to be powered off.

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, which is short but under-specified. It does not earn its place by providing necessary detail about parameters or behavior.

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 tool with 2 parameters and no output schema, the description is too minimal. It does not clarify preconditions (e.g., VM must be stopped), the effect of 'mode', or what happens if the VM is already running.

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 50% (only 'vmxPath' has a description). The description does not explain the 'mode' parameter or its enum values ('gui', 'nogui'), nor does it add meaning beyond the schema.

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 ('Start') and the resource ('VMware VM'), which is specific and distinguishes it from sibling tools like 'stop_vm' or 'pause_vm'. However, it lacks nuance about VM state prerequisites.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., 'reset_vm' or 'unpause_vm'), and no prerequisites like VM state are mentioned.

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