ListingsItems20200901_patchListingsItem

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

With no annotations, the description must fully disclose behavior. It mentions that the operation 'runs in your Kuudo deployment, not here,' which is cryptic and potentially misleading, but it does not explain side effects, permissions, idempotency, or execution context. A patch operation's behavior is largely undisclosed.

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 short but poorly structured: it opens with an unclear noun phrase and an ambiguous deployment statement before reaching the actual action. The main point is buried at the end, and the extra sentences do not earn their place.

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 empty schema, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is far too sparse. An agent cannot determine required inputs, expected output, or how this tool fits with the numerous sibling listings tools, making successful invocation unlikely.

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 is empty with additionalProperties true, so there are no declared parameters and no schema-level guidance. The description provides no parameter information, such as sellerId, SKU, marketplaceIds, or the patch document, leaving the agent without any clue what to include in the request.

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 states a specific action and resource: 'Partially update (patch) a listings item for a selling partner.' This clearly distinguishes it from full updates (putListingsItem). However, it does not differentiate it from the sibling ListingsItems_patchListingsItem, and the opening 'Catalog entry' and deployment note are confusing and unnecessary.

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?

There is no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus the unversioned patchListingsItem, the putListingsItem sibling, or other listings operations. The word 'partially update' weakly implies a use case, but no alternatives, exclusions, or prerequisites are mentioned.

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