tool-design

Design and optimize tool interfaces for agent systems.

Updated Jun 29, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/wangyouan/codex-personal-kit --skill tool-design-wangyouan
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: tool-design
Source: https://github.com/wangyouan/codex-personal-kit/tree/main/skills/tool-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/wangyouan/codex-personal-kit --skill tool-design-wangyouan

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps in designing and optimizing tool interfaces specifically for agent systems, enabling clear communication between deterministic systems and non-deterministic agents.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Tool Design Principles: Provides guidelines for writing unambiguous tool descriptions, naming conventions, and error message design.
  • Consolidation Principle: Encourages building single comprehensive tools to reduce ambiguity and selection errors.
  • Architectural Reduction: Demonstrates how to use primitive, general-purpose tools for better outcomes.
  • Response Format Optimization: Offers concise and detailed response formats to balance token usage and information completeness.
  • Tool Collection Design: Provides guidance on managing tool proliferation and designing clear boundaries between tools.
  • Testing and Evaluation: Outlines criteria for evaluating tool designs and testing them with representative agent requests.

Quick Start

Run the 'describe-tool' command with the tool name as the argument to generate a structured tool description.

Frequently Asked Questions about tool-design

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I design unambiguous tool descriptions for agent systems?

Designing unambiguous tool descriptions for agent systems involves applying strict naming conventions, writing clear tool descriptions, and standardizing error messages. This reduces contract ambiguity and enables clear communication between deterministic systems and non-deterministic agents.

What is the consolidation principle in agent tool design?

The consolidation principle in agent tool design encourages building single comprehensive tools rather than fragmented micro-tools. This architectural reduction minimizes agent tool selection errors and reduces interface ambiguity by managing tool proliferation through clear boundaries.

How do I optimize response formats to balance token usage for agents?

Optimize response formats for agents by selecting between concise and detailed response templates based on the request's needs. This format optimization balances token usage and information completeness to ensure efficient agent-agent communication.

What criteria should I use to evaluate and test tool interfaces for agents?

Evaluate tool interfaces for agents by testing them with representative agent requests against predefined criteria. This testing process ensures the interface layer effectively handles error management and tool selection patterns within the agent system.

Can I use primitive general-purpose tools instead of specialized ones in agent systems?

Yes, using primitive general-purpose tools in agent systems is an architectural reduction strategy that often yields better outcomes. This approach simplifies the interface layer and mitigates tool proliferation issues common in complex agent environments.