Skip to main content
Glama

containers-update

DestructiveIdempotent

Update an existing container — rename, change description or negative_space (what does NOT belong here), move to a different parent, set display position, or archive/unarchive it. Works for both personal and team containers the current user can edit (team containers require the editor role). Required: id (integer). Optional: name, description, negative_space (pass null to clear it), parent_id (null for root, must be in the same scope), position (integer, lower = first). Archiving: archived (boolean) archives or unarchives the folder itself; add include_notes: true to also retire/reactivate every note filed in it IN BULK, and include_nested: true to sweep nested sub-folders (and, with include_notes, their notes) too. This is THE way to retire a whole folder — e.g. a finished project or a large import whose notes keep surfacing in dashboards — in one call; never loop notes-update over each note for that. The response then includes containers_changed and notes_changed counts (rows actually flipped; note bodies are not returned). On team containers an include_nested sweep requires the editor role on every affected sub-folder. Caveat on reversing: an unarchive sweep reactivates EVERYTHING it touches — include_nested resurrects sub-folders, and include_notes resurrects notes, that the user had archived individually before the sweep. When that matters, unarchive selectively: archived: false on specific folders, and individual notes via notes-update. Unarchiving a nested folder also reactivates its archived ancestor folders, so the restored folder stays reachable. Find archived folders again later with containers-list scope 'archived'.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
idYesContainer ID (required)
nameNoNew name
archivedNoArchive (true) or unarchive (false) the folder. On its own this only flags the folder; combine with include_notes/include_nested to retire its contents too.
positionNoDisplay order position (lower numbers appear first)
parent_idNoNew parent container ID, or null to move the container to root level. Must belong to the same scope as the container.
descriptionNoNew description
include_notesNoWith archived: also set the same archived state on every kept note filed in the folder (and in its sub-folders when include_nested is true), in one bulk update. Default: false.
include_nestedNoWith archived: apply the same archived state to all nested sub-folders as well. Default: false.
negative_spaceNoWhat does NOT belong in this folder, or null to clear it.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed3 schema fields changed
    • addedInput schema / properties / archived
      Added value: +{
      +  "description": "Archive (true) or unarchive (false) the folder. On its own this only flags the folder; combine with include_notes/include_nested to retire its contents too.",
      +  "type": "boolean"
      +}
    • addedInput schema / properties / include_nested
      Added value: +{
      +  "description": "With archived: apply the same archived state to all nested sub-folders as well. Default: false.",
      +  "type": "boolean"
      +}
    • addedInput schema / properties / include_notes
      Added value: +{
      +  "description": "With archived: also set the same archived state on every kept note filed in the folder (and in its sub-folders when include_nested is true), in one bulk update. Default: false.",
      +  "type": "boolean"
      +}
  2. Changed2 schema fields changed
    • changedInput schema / properties / parent_id / description
      Previous value: -"New parent container ID (null for root). Must belong to the same scope as the container."New value: +"New parent container ID, or null to move the container to root level. Must belong to the same scope as the container."
    • changedInput schema / properties / parent_id / type
      Previous value: -"integer"New value: +[
      +  "integer",
      +  "null"
      +]
  3. Changed1 schema field changed
    • addedInput schema / properties / negative_space
      Added value: +{
      +  "description": "What does NOT belong in this folder, or null to clear it.",
      +  "type": [
      +    "string",
      +    "null"
      +  ]
      +}
  4. Changed1 schema field changed
    • changedInput schema / properties / parent_id / description
      Previous value: -"New parent container ID (null for root)"New value: +"New parent container ID (null for root). Must belong to the same scope as the container."
  5. Changed2 schema fields changed
    • changedInput schema / description
      Previous value: -"Update an existing container (rename, change description, move to a different parent, or set display position)."New value: +"Update an existing container."
    • changedInput schema / properties / id / description
      Previous value: -"Container ID"New value: +"Container ID (required)"
  6. First observed

TDQS

A4.9/5.0
Behavior5/5

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

Although annotations already flag destructiveHint and idempotentHint, the description discloses the real behavioral consequences: bulk cascade, reactivation of previously archived notes and sub-folders, ancestor-reactivating behavior on unarchive, role requirements, and the fact that note bodies are not returned. It also specifies the containers_changed and notes_changed response counts, going well beyond the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Though longer than average, the description is well structured and every sentence earns its place. It front-loads the core operation, then groups required/optional parameters, bulk archiving behavior, permissions, response counts, and reversal caveats in a logical order. The explicit 'never loop notes-update' guidance is high-value and prevents an obvious misuse.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a complex 9-parameter, destructive, no-output-schema tool, the description is unusually complete. It covers scope constraints, editor-role requirements, bulk side effects, reversal caveats, response counts, and alternatives. An agent has enough information to decide whether and how to call this tool safely.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% and the schema already contains descriptions, so the baseline is 3. The description adds meaningful semantics on top: negative_space accepts null to clear it, parent_id null means root and must remain in the same scope, position uses lower-as-first, and include_notes/include_nested interact with archived to produce cascading effects.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description opens with a specific verb and resource: 'Update an existing container' and then enumerates the exact updateable aspects — rename, description, negative_space, parent, position, and archive state. It clearly differentiates from sibling create/delete/list/restore tools by focusing on mutation of an existing container.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

It explicitly states when to use the bulk archive path ('This is THE way to retire a whole folder... never loop notes-update over each note') and when to unarchive selectively. It also identifies role requirements for team containers and points to containers-list scope 'archived' as the way to find archived folders later.

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

Try in Browser

Glama MCP Gateway

Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.