update-excel-table-row

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

Annotations already indicate destructive and open-world behavior. The description adds zero-based indexing and body format, but lacks details on error scenarios, response content, or side effects (e.g., row overwrite behavior).

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 extremely concise: one sentence that clearly conveys the purpose and body format. The duplicate tip adds trivial redundancy but does not detract from clarity.

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 (7 parameters, nested body, no output schema), the description covers the core action but omits details like whether the entire row is replaced or partially updated, what happens if index is out of bounds, and the format of any response.

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 body parameter is poorly defined in the schema (object with additionalProperties only), and the description clarifies its required structure ({ values: [[...]] }) and column count constraint. This adds significant meaning beyond the schema for the most complex parameter.

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), resource (single row in a formal Excel table), and indexing scheme (zero-based). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like add-excel-table-rows or delete-excel-table-row.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. There is no mention of use cases, prerequisites, or comparison to related tools like add-excel-table-rows or clear-excel-range.

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