publish_theme

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

The description discloses the primary behavioral effect: the theme becomes the main theme. However, it does not mention potential side effects, such as replacing the current main theme or whether the action is reversible. With no annotations to fall back on, the description carries the full burden but only covers the basic outcome.

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, brief sentence with a parenthetical clarification. Every word serves a purpose, and the structure is front-loaded with the action and resource. There is zero redundancy or wasted text.

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 simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description sufficiently explains the purpose and effect. However, it could be more complete by noting that publishing a theme replaces the current main theme, which is an important contextual detail. Given the simplicity of the tool, it is nearly complete but misses that small behavioral nuance.

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 schema description covers 100% of the parameter 'id' with a clear example ('gid://shopify/OnlineStoreTheme/123456789'), so the schema already provides the necessary semantic meaning. The description does not add any additional parameter details, which keeps it at the baseline of 3.

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 uses a specific verb 'Publish' and identifies the resource 'theme', with a clarifying parenthetical 'make it the main theme' that fully explains the action. This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like update_theme or delete_theme, which target different operations on themes.

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 the tool should be used when the user wants to make a theme the main theme, but it does not explicitly state when to use it versus alternatives. There is no mention of alternatives or exclusions, leaving the usage context somewhat implied rather than explicitly guided.

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