update_row

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does not mention permission requirements, error behavior if the row does not exist, whether the update is partial or full, or what the response contains. For a mutation tool, this is a significant gap.

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 two concise sentences, front-loaded with the primary action and immediately followed by the essential input requirement. Every word earns its place, with 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?

The tool has 3 parameters (including a nested object), no annotations, and no output schema. The description does not explain return values, error scenarios, partial vs full update behavior, or any operational context. It is too minimal to be complete for an agent to correctly anticipate outcomes.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The tool description repeats the schema's information ('row ID and field values') without adding extra semantics like data format details or edge cases. It neither improves nor worsens the schema's already adequate parameter descriptions.

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 a specific action ('Update an existing row in a table') with a clear verb and resource. It distinguishes from sibling tools like create_row, delete_row, and batch_update_rows by implying a single-row update.

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 usage context ('existing row' and 'row ID'), but does not explicitly provide when-to-use guidance or name alternative tools such as batch_update_rows. The instruction to provide row ID suggests when it applies, but no exclusions or alternatives are stated.

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