update_agent

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses partial update behavior (only provided fields updated) but omits other important traits such as authorization needs, rate limits, reversibility, or error states. The mutation nature is clear, but transparency is limited.

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, direct sentence (10 words) that immediately states purpose and key behavior. It is optimally concise with no superfluous text, front-loading the essential information.

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 6 parameters (with nested objects) and no output schema or annotations, the description is adequate but incomplete. It explains partial update behavior but does not clarify return values, validation rules for specific fields, or constraints on metadata. More detail could improve completeness.

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 baseline is 3. The description's statement 'Only provided fields will be updated' reinforces schema cues but adds no new meaning beyond what parameter descriptions already provide. No extra context for nested objects (metadata) is given.

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 the verb 'Update' and the resource 'existing agent configuration', distinguishing it from sibling tools like create_agent (creation) and get_agent (retrieval). It directly conveys the tool's primary purpose without ambiguity.

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 notes 'Only provided fields will be updated,' implying partial update behavior, but lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., avoid for creation). It does not mention prerequisites or exclusions, leaving usage partially implied.

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