firestore-update-document-by-path

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden but offers minimal behavioral disclosure. It states this is an update operation (implying mutation) but doesn't cover critical aspects like: whether this is a partial or complete update, what happens if the document doesn't exist, authentication requirements, error conditions, or rate limits. The mention of 'supports subcollections' adds some context but is insufficient 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 at just 9 words, front-loading the core purpose ('Update a document') and efficiently adding the key differentiator ('using full path') with a helpful parenthetical note ('supports subcollections'). Every word serves a purpose with zero redundancy.

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 and no output schema, the description is inadequate. It doesn't explain what 'update' means in this context (partial update? merge behavior?), doesn't mention error cases or prerequisites, and provides minimal guidance on usage versus siblings. The 100% schema coverage helps with parameters, but behavioral context is severely lacking.

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%, providing clear documentation for both parameters. The description adds marginal value by emphasizing the 'full path' aspect for documentPath and implying the data parameter is for updates, but doesn't explain update semantics (merge vs replace) or provide examples beyond what the schema already states.

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 action ('Update a document') and resource ('document'), and specifies the method ('using full path') with a clarifying note about subcollections. It distinguishes from the sibling 'firestore-update-document' by explicitly mentioning the path-based approach, though it doesn't fully explain how this differs from the non-path version.

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 provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'firestore-update-document' (which likely uses a different referencing method) or other mutation tools like 'firestore-create-document-by-path'. It mentions 'supports subcollections' but doesn't clarify if this is unique to this tool or a general feature.

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