todo_update_item

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

The description discloses that the operation updates a todo item and that status should be 'needs_action' or 'completed'. However, it does not mention any side effects (e.g., overwriting fields) or error conditions (e.g., what happens if uid is missing). Since annotations are absent, more detail would be beneficial.

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 concise with two clear sentences. The first sentence provides the core purpose and scope, and the second adds specific value constraints. No unnecessary words.

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?

Given the complexity (4 parameters, 2 required, no annotations, output schema present), the description covers the main fields but omits entity_id and any error behavior. While output schema may document return values, the description is not fully self-contained.

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 description explains that uid is the identifier and that item and status are optional, with status having two explicit values. However, it does not cover the entity_id parameter, which is required but left unexplained. With 0% schema description coverage, the description partially compensates but misses one parameter's meaning.

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 verb 'update' and the resource 'todo item', and uniquely identifies it by uid. It distinguishes from siblings like todo_add_item, todo_list_items, and todo_remove_item, which have different actions.

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 description does not provide any explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It only describes what it does, leaving the agent to infer from sibling names.

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