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updateSubCategory

Idempotent

Update a sub-category by service_id to rename it, change its parent top category or nesting as sub-sub, or adjust lead price. Omitted fields remain unchanged.

Instructions

Update a service - Update an existing SUB-level member category by service_id. Fields omitted are untouched. Writes live data.

Use when: renaming, re-parenting (change profession_id to move under a different Top, or master_id to re-nest as sub-sub), or adjusting lead_price for per-service lead pricing.

Required: service_id.

Filename rename caveat: if the existing filename has a seo_type=profile_search_results web page bound to it, renaming this category orphans that page. The wrapper rejects renames that would orphan a bound page — rename or delete the bound page first, then rename the category.

Parameter notes:

  • Change profession_id to move this Sub Category to a different parent Top Category

  • Change master_id to re-nest as a sub-sub-category (non-zero) or flatten to direct-under-Top (0)

See also: createSubCategory (add new), deleteSubCategory (remove).

Returns: { status: "success", message: {...updatedRecord} }.

How a member gets classified on their public profile:

  • users_data.profession_id -> points at a single Top Category (the member's primary classification; shown in URL slug)

  • users_data.services -> CSV of Sub Category IDs the member is tagged with (multiple allowed; simpler than the join table)

  • rel_services rows (Member ↔ Sub Category links) -> used when you need per-link metadata like avg_price, specialty, num_completed. Optional; most sites use just the CSV field.

Sub-sub-categories: createSubCategory with master_id=<parent service_id> creates a Sub Category nested under another Sub Category (a "sub-sub"). master_id=0 (default) means the Sub Category sits directly under a Top Category (the profession_id).

There is NO createProfession or createService tool in this MCP — those are BD's internal table names. Use createTopCategory / createSubCategory instead (BD's table-name → tool-name mapping is documented in Rule: Table to endpoint).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
service_idYes
nameNo
descNoShort internal taxonomy-row label. **Even if the user says "description" - this is NOT an SEO description.** Not a meta-tag surface, not Google-ranking copy, not the H1/intro on the public category search page. Most BD themes don't render this field. For ANY SEO task on a category or sub-category - "write a description that ranks," "improve SEO," "add meta tags," "write intro copy" - create a WebPage with `seo_type=profile_search_results` and the matching slug instead (see `createWebPage`). Short internal blurb only here.
profession_idNo
filenameNoURL slug. Renaming orphans any `seo_type=profile_search_results` web page bound to the OLD filename — that page can't query this category anymore and renders empty. Before renaming, run `listWebPages property=filename property_value=<old-filename>`; if a profile_search_results page exists, rename it in the same operation (and consider `createRedirect` for SEO continuity).
keywordsNoFuzzy-search synonyms for on-site category matching - NOT SEO meta-keywords. Comma-separated single words (no spaces): synonyms, abbreviations, slang, common misspellings. Example for `Doctor`: `doc,physician,md,medic,gp,specialist`. ~5-10 max. Skip SEO phrases like `doctor near me` - those aren't fuzzy matchers. Optional.
sort_orderNo
lead_priceNo
master_idNo
_clear_fieldsNoColumn names to clear to empty string. Available on every `update*` operation. Works on base columns AND EAV/`users_meta` rows (rows preserved with `value=""`). To actually clear a field you MUST use this parameter — sending the field with `""` alone is a no-op (BD drops empty values). To remove a `users_meta` row entirely, use `deleteUserMeta`. See **Rule: Clearing fields**. Example: `_clear_fields: ["h2", "hero_link_url"]`.
Behavior5/5

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

The description discloses that it writes live data, fields omitted are untouched, and provides a critical caveat about filename renaming orphaning web pages. It also states the return format. This adds valuable context beyond the annotations, which already mark it as read-only false and idempotent true.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is well-organized with clear sections (Use when, Required, Parameter notes, etc.), but it is somewhat lengthy, including tangential information about how members are classified and a note about tool naming. Every part is useful, but slight trimming could improve conciseness.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The description covers update behavior, return format, related tools, and important caveats. It includes a sub-sub-category explanation. However, it does not detail all 10 parameters individually (e.g., sort_order, keywords from schema, name). Overall, it provides sufficient context for most use cases.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description adds meaning for several parameters: profession_id (re-parenting), master_id (sub-sub-category nesting), filename (rename caveat), and lead_price (per-service pricing). However, it omits explanations for sort_order and name, and schema coverage is only 40%. Still, it compensates well for the low coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states it updates a SUB-level member category by service_id, with specific actions like renaming, re-parenting, and adjusting lead_price. It also distinguishes itself from create and delete siblings.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description includes a 'Use when:' section with explicit scenarios, a 'See also:' pointing to createSubCategory and deleteSubCategory, and a note clarifying that there is no createProfession or createService tool, guiding users to correct alternatives.

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

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