clear-excel-range

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

Annotations already declare destructiveHint: true, so the description doesn't need to restate that. It adds valuable behavior details about what each applyTo value does (wipes values vs resets formatting vs both), which goes beyond the annotation. It does not contradict annotations and provides useful context for resetting worksheet sections.

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 two sentences, front-loads the core purpose ('Clear an Excel range'), and then provides a concise, high-value tip. There is no fluff; every sentence earns its place. The structure is efficient and scannable.

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 destructive clear operation, the description covers the key behavior (what gets cleared), the options, and a typical use case. The schema handles the remaining parameters (path segments, confirm, etc.). No critical information is missing for an agent to call this tool correctly.

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?

The schema has 88% coverage and already documents most parameters. The description significantly enriches the body.applyTo parameter by explaining the allowed values and their exact effects, which the schema only lists as a string. This adds meaningful semantics beyond the schema baseline.

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 the action ('Clear an Excel range') with a specific resource and intent. It also explains the three modes (Contents, Formats, All) and their effects, which distinguishes it from sibling tools like update-excel-range or format-excel-range. The purpose is 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?

The tip gives concrete usage context: 'Use this to reset a worksheet section before a fresh write rather than overwriting cell-by-cell.' This explains when to apply the tool, but it does not explicitly name alternative tools or state when not to use it. Still, the guidance is clear and actionable.

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