pause_record

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

Without annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only says 'Pause the active recording,' which restates the tool's name and provides minimal context that a recording must be active. It does not disclose behavior when no recording is active or when already paused, nor any error conditions 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?

The description is a single, focused sentence that earns its place. No filler words.

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 zero-parameter, no-annotation tool, the description covers the core action but lacks important contextual details such as behavior when no recording is active or when already paused, and its relationship to toggle_record_pause and resume_record. Given the simplicity, it's adequate but not complete.

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?

With 0 parameters and 100% schema coverage, the description does not need to explain any parameters and doesn't. Baseline 4 is appropriate since there are no parameters to describe.

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 uses a specific verb 'pause' and resource 'active recording', clearly distinguishing it from siblings like start_record, stop_record, resume_record, and toggle_record_pause. It is concise and unambiguous.

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 pause_record versus toggle_record_pause or resume_record, nor any exclusions or prerequisites. The active recording condition is implied but not explicitly stated as a usage rule.

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