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container_update

Update resource limits on a running container without recreating it. Changes take effect immediately on Linux.

Instructions

Update resource limits on a container without recreating it.

Changes take effect immediately on Linux (cgroups); not all fields are updatable on every platform. Common updates keys: mem_limit (bytes, e.g. 134217728 for 128 MB), memswap_limit (memory+swap in bytes; -1 = unlimited), cpu_shares (relative weight, default 1024), cpu_period / cpu_quota (microseconds for CFS throttling), cpuset_cpus (e.g. "0-1"), restart_policy (dict with Name such as "on-failure"/"always"/"unless-stopped" and optional MaximumRetryCount). To change image, env, or volumes the container must be recreated.

args: id_or_name - Container id or name to update updates - Resource fields to update; see description for valid keys returns: dict - The container's full attrs after the update

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
updatesYes
id_or_nameYes
Behavior4/5

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

Description adds behavioral context beyond annotations: 'Changes take effect immediately on Linux (cgroups)' and 'not all fields are updatable on every platform'. No contradiction with annotations.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

Description is concise and front-loaded with the main purpose, then provides detailed parameter info. Efficient use of sentences, no redundancy.

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

Completeness4/5

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

Covers all essential aspects: purpose, platform behavior, parameter semantics, and return value. Despite no output schema, the return type and content are described. Complete for the complexity of the tool.

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?

Despite 0% schema coverage, the description thoroughly documents the 'updates' parameter with common keys, examples, and format details. The 'id_or_name' parameter is explained concisely. Compensates well for missing schema descriptions.

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?

Description clearly states the verb 'update', the resource 'container', and specifies the scope 'resource limits'. It explicitly says 'without recreating it', which distinguishes it from container_create and container_run.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

Provides guidance on when to use (for resource limit updates) and when not to use (for changing image, env, or volumes). Also notes platform-specific limitations. However, it does not explicitly name alternative tools for excluded cases.

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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