update_profile

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states 'Update child profile settings' but does not disclose behavioral traits such as whether the update is a merge or overwrite, any permission requirements, side effects, or what the response looks like. This is a mutation tool with minimal transparency.

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 a single, front-loaded sentence with no redundant words. It efficiently conveys the purpose and key scope without waste.

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?

The description is adequate for a simple update tool, but it lacks information about return values, preconditions (e.g., profile existence), and behavior when partial settings are provided. Given the lack of annotations and output schema, additional context would improve completeness.

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?

Schema coverage is 100% (both profileId and settings have descriptions), but those descriptions are generic. The tool description adds meaning by listing example fields ('age, restrictions, notification channel'), which helps the agent understand what to place in the nested `settings` object.

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 identifies the tool's action: 'Update child profile settings' with specific fields (age, restrictions, notification channel). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like check_message, log_interaction, resolve_approval, list_pending, and get_risk_summary, which serve different purposes.

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 implies that this tool is for updating child profile settings, but it does not explicitly state when to use it over alternatives or provide exclusions. The context is clear, but no specific usage guidance is given beyond the basic action.

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