transport_play

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It specifies the playback origin point (cursor position) but omits operational details like blocking behavior, interaction with existing playback states, or side effects.

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?

Single sentence, front-loaded with action verb, zero redundancy. Every word serves a purpose in defining the operation and its scope.

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?

Appropriate for a zero-parameter transport control with no output schema. Covers the essential action and scope, though could benefit from brief transport state interaction notes (e.g., stops existing playback).

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?

Zero parameters present (baseline 4). The description adds valuable context by referencing the implicit 'current cursor position' state dependency, clarifying what determines the playback start even though no parameters are passed.

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?

Specific verb 'Start playback' plus scope 'from the current cursor position' clearly defines the action. The cursor position detail effectively distinguishes this from sibling tool transport_play_region.

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 phrase 'from the current cursor position' implies when to use this (when cursor is at desired start point), but lacks explicit guidance contrasting with transport_play_region or prerequisites like cursor positioning.

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