exec

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It explains backgrounding behavior, automatic completion wake, and the necessity of using 'process' for interaction. However, it does not detail security restrictions, output handling, or timeout effects beyond what is in the schema.

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 four sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by concise usage rules. Every sentence contributes unique information with no redundancy or filler.

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?

The tool has no output schema, so the description should clarify return values. It does not mention what the initial call returns (e.g., immediate output or a handle). However, it covers the backgrounding workflow, including the role of 'process' for logs and status, making the overall completeness high despite the ambiguity about immediate response.

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 description coverage is high (86%), so baseline is 3. The description adds usage context for 'yieldMs', 'background', and 'pty', but does not significantly elaborate on parameter meaning beyond what the schema already provides. It ties parameters to scenarios but does not introduce new semantic information.

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 'Execute shell commands' and elaborates on background continuation, distinguishing itself from sibling tools like 'process' which handles logs/status. It provides a specific verb-resource combination and explicitly differentiates usage.

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 gives explicit guidance on when to use alternative tool 'process' (for logs, status, input, intervention) and when to enable 'pty=true' (TTY-required commands). It also explains the 'yieldMs/background' mechanism for continuing work later, leaving no ambiguity about context.

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