update_publisher

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits itself. It states the action but does not explain update semantics (e.g., partial vs. full replacement), permissions required, side effects, or return values. This lack of detail is inadequate for a mutating operation.

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, focused sentence with no redundant words. It front-loads the verb and resource, making it easy to parse.

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?

With 12 parameters, a nested object, no output schema, and no annotations, the one-sentence description lacks important context about update behavior and expected return. The schema provides parameter details, but the description does not clarify partial updates, permissions, or effects, leaving the tool under-specified for an agent to invoke confidently.

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 describes all 12 parameters with 100% coverage, so the description does not need to re-explain them. The description itself adds no parameter-specific meaning, but the schema already provides adequate context, yielding a baseline score 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 'update' with resource 'publisher' and notes it applies to an existing one. This clearly distinguishes it from create_publisher, get_publisher, and delete_publisher among the sibling tools.

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool rather than alternatives. There is no mention of prerequisites, such as the publisher needing to exist or using get_publisher first, nor any comparison to create_publisher or archive_publisher.

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