set_column_flags

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the behavioral burden. It discloses a critical update pattern: "any subset; omitted flags are left unchanged." It also provides enum values for alignment and encodingHint. It does not mention permissions, return values, or failure modes, but the partial-update semantics is significant.

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, well-structured sentence that front-loads the action, lists all relevant flags, and includes enum values inline. Every part earns its place with no redundancy or filler.

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 mutation tool with no annotations or output schema, the description provides enough context to invoke it correctly: the target resource, the allowed flags, and the partial-update behavior. It does not describe return values or prerequisites, but those are not essential for this simple setter.

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 63%, so the description does not need to fully compensate. It largely restates the schema's per-parameter descriptions, but adds the useful context that omitted optional flags remain unchanged. It does not explain required parameters like sessionId, table, or column beyond what the schema requires.

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 opens with a specific verb and resource: "Set a column's modelling flags." It then enumerates the exact flags (isKey, isNullable, isUnique, alignment, encodingHint), which clearly differentiates this tool from other set_* siblings by naming the precise domain.

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?

Usage is implied by the purpose: an agent would use this when wanting to modify a column's modelling flags. However, there is no explicit guidance on when not to use it or which sibling tool to prefer for related column operations, so the guidance is only implicit.

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