update_travel_item

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

The description discloses a partial-update behavior by instructing to provide only fields to change, which is useful beyond the annotations. However, it does not describe side effects, validation behavior, auth requirements, or what happens to omitted fields beyond the implication that they remain unchanged. The destructiveHint annotation is not contradicted.

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 and front-loaded, with the core action stated in the first sentence and the crucial partial-update behavior in the second. Every sentence contributes meaningful guidance with no filler or repetition.

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 tool with 20 parameters, no output schema, and sparse annotations, this description is too thin to be fully actionable. It omits return behavior, required-identifier guidance beyond the schema, enum constraints, and any context about how the update interacts with related entities like travel lists or locations.

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?

With schema description coverage at only 5%, the description bears responsibility for clarifying parameter meaning, but it merely says to provide fields to change without explaining any of the 20 parameters. The input schema provides property names and a handful of enums, but the description adds almost no parameter-level semantics beyond the general partial-update pattern.

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 the specific verb 'Update' with the resource 'travel item', clearly identifying the action and distinguishing it from sibling tools like add_travel_item, remove_travel_item, and list_travel_items. The added instruction about changing only selected fields further clarifies the intended operation.

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 this tool is for modifying an existing travel item and tells the agent only to provide changed fields, but it does not explicitly state when to prefer this over add_travel_item or remove_travel_item, nor does it mention any exclusions or prerequisites.

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