update_list

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It only states 'Update an existing list with new properties' without disclosing side effects, permissions, idempotency, error behavior, or what happens if the list does not exist. This is insufficient for a mutation tool.

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 extremely concise—two short sentences that front-load the core purpose. There is no filler or redundancy, earning a top score for efficiency.

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?

Despite having 8 parameters and no output schema, the description provides almost no contextual guidance. It lacks usage context (e.g., when to use this versus dedicated list update tools), behavioral details, or any sense of return values. The schema covers parameters, but the overall tool context remains under-specified.

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 input schema has 100% description coverage for all 8 parameters, each with meaningful descriptions (e.g., 'pos' explains accepted values, 'fields' explains dot notation). The description adds no extra parameter semantics, but the schema fully compensates, so a baseline of 3 is appropriate.

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 ('Update') and the resource ('an existing list') with some scope ('new properties', 'list details or settings'). However, it does not differentiate from sibling tools like update_list_name or update_list_position, which are more specific variations.

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 phrase 'Use this tool to modify list details or settings' provides minimal guidance but does not explain when to choose this generic update over specialized siblings such as update_list_position or update_list_name. No explicit alternatives or exclusions are mentioned.

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