format-excel-range

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

Annotations already indicate destructiveHint=true, so no need to restate. However, description does not explain behavioral details such as whether properties are merged or overwritten, or what happens to unspecified properties. 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.

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

Relatively concise: two short sentences and a tip. The first sentence could be more direct, but overall efficient. No unnecessary fluff.

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?

For a destructive tool with 8 parameters, nested objects, and no output schema, the description lacks information about the response format, error handling, or permission requirements. The schema covers many fields, but the description does not guide construction of the request body beyond listing a few properties.

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?

Given high schema coverage (88%), baseline is 3. Description adds value by highlighting key body properties (horizontalAlignment, verticalAlignment, wrapText, columnWidth, rowHeight) and explicitly excluding font, fill, and borders. Also clarifies address format with examples.

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?

Description clearly states the tool applies rangeFormat properties to a specific Excel range, and distinguishes from sibling tools for font, fill, and borders. The first sentence is somewhat vague ('Update the navigation property format in drives'), but the tip clarifies the purpose.

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?

Explicitly states that font, fill, and borders are NOT set here and directs to dedicated sibling tools. Provides a helpful tip about the address parameter format. However, lacks guidance on when to use this tool versus other range formatting tools like get-excel-range-format.

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