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set_agent_instructions

Set project-specific instructions for AI agents (coding style, rules, domain knowledge, approaches to avoid)

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
projectIdYesProject ID
instructionsYesInstructions for the agent (free text, Markdown)

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observed

TDQS

A3.7/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are present, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does not state whether the operation overwrites existing instructions, whether repeated calls accumulate or replace, whether the change is reversible, or what side effects occur beyond setting the instruction text. For a mutation tool, this is a meaningful gap.

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?

The description is a single, front-loaded sentence that names the action, the target resource, and useful examples without any redundant filler. Every phrase contributes meaningful information.

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

Completeness3/5

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

For a low-complexity, two-parameter tool the core call shape is clear, and the schema covers the parameter names. However, with no annotations and no output schema, the description should also clarify overwrite semantics and side effects; their absence leaves the overall context slightly incomplete.

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?

The input schema already describes both parameters completely, so the baseline is 3. The description adds value beyond the schema by giving concrete categories of what 'instructions' should contain—coding style, rules, domain knowledge, approaches to avoid—which helps the agent populate the parameter correctly.

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 states a specific verb and resource: 'Set project-specific instructions for AI agents,' and adds clarifying examples (coding style, rules, domain knowledge, approaches to avoid). This clearly distinguishes it from sibling mutation tools like update_project_status or create_project.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The intended use case is implied—whenever project-specific agent instructions need to be defined—but the description does not explicitly state when to prefer this tool over alternatives, when not to use it, or whether it should be combined with other project setup tools. No exclusions or cross-references are provided.

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

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