update-user-by-id

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only says 'Update' without explaining side effects, permissions, partial update behavior, or return value. This is a significant gap for a mutation tool.

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, using a single sentence that immediately conveys the core action. However, it is so brief that it borders on under-specification, which is why it does not receive a 5.

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?

Given the tool has 5 parameters with nested objects, no annotations, no output schema, and low schema coverage, the description is incomplete. It fails to provide essential context about what fields can be updated, how attributes are structured, or what the response will be, making it insufficient for reliable tool invocation.

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 coverage is only 20% (only userID has a description). The description does not compensate by explaining the other parameters (email, language, username, attributes). It adds no meaning beyond the schema's titles, leaving the agent uncertain about parameter roles and validation.

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 'Update a user by its ID' clearly states the action (update) and resource (user by ID). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like add-user, delete-user-by-id, get-user-by-id, and change-user-password.

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?

No usage guidance is provided. The description does not mention when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor does it state any exclusions or prerequisites. An agent is left to infer that this is the update tool without context on partial vs. full updates or required parameters beyond userID.

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