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update_send_as

Modify a Gmail alias to change display name, reply-to address, signature, or primary status for sending emails.

Instructions

Updates a send-as alias

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
sendAsEmailYesThe send-as alias to be updated
displayNameNoA name that appears in the 'From:' header
replyToAddressNoAn optional email address that is included in a 'Reply-To:' header
signatureNoAn optional HTML signature
isPrimaryNoWhether this address is the primary address
treatAsAliasNoWhether Gmail should treat this address as an alias

Implementation Reference

  • src/index.ts:1201-1218 (registration)
    Registers the 'update_send_as' MCP tool, providing description, input schema validation, and the handler function.
    server.tool("update_send_as",
      "Updates a send-as alias",
      {
        sendAsEmail: z.string().describe("The send-as alias to be updated"),
        displayName: z.string().optional().describe("A name that appears in the 'From:' header"),
        replyToAddress: z.string().optional().describe("An optional email address that is included in a 'Reply-To:' header"),
        signature: z.string().optional().describe("An optional HTML signature"),
        isPrimary: z.boolean().optional().describe("Whether this address is the primary address"),
        treatAsAlias: z.boolean().optional().describe("Whether Gmail should treat this address as an alias")
      },
      async (params) => {
        const { sendAsEmail, ...updateData } = params
        return handleTool(config, async (gmail: gmail_v1.Gmail) => {
          const { data } = await gmail.users.settings.sendAs.update({ userId: 'me', sendAsEmail, requestBody: updateData })
          return formatResponse(data)
        })
      }
    )
  • Executes the tool logic: destructures params to separate sendAsEmail from update data, uses shared handleTool to authenticate and call Gmail API's users.settings.sendAs.update method, then formats the response.
    async (params) => {
      const { sendAsEmail, ...updateData } = params
      return handleTool(config, async (gmail: gmail_v1.Gmail) => {
        const { data } = await gmail.users.settings.sendAs.update({ userId: 'me', sendAsEmail, requestBody: updateData })
        return formatResponse(data)
      })
    }
  • Zod schema defining input parameters for the tool, including required sendAsEmail and optional fields for updating the send-as alias configuration.
    {
      sendAsEmail: z.string().describe("The send-as alias to be updated"),
      displayName: z.string().optional().describe("A name that appears in the 'From:' header"),
      replyToAddress: z.string().optional().describe("An optional email address that is included in a 'Reply-To:' header"),
      signature: z.string().optional().describe("An optional HTML signature"),
      isPrimary: z.boolean().optional().describe("Whether this address is the primary address"),
      treatAsAlias: z.boolean().optional().describe("Whether Gmail should treat this address as an alias")
    },
  • Shared utility function used by all Gmail tools to handle OAuth2 authentication, credential validation, Gmail client creation, API call execution, and error handling with specific auth error responses.
    const handleTool = async (queryConfig: Record<string, any> | undefined, apiCall: (gmail: gmail_v1.Gmail) => Promise<any>) => {
      try {
        const oauth2Client = queryConfig ? createOAuth2Client(queryConfig) : defaultOAuth2Client
        if (!oauth2Client) throw new Error('OAuth2 client could not be created, please check your credentials')
    
        const credentialsAreValid = await validateCredentials(oauth2Client)
        if (!credentialsAreValid) throw new Error('OAuth2 credentials are invalid, please re-authenticate')
    
        const gmailClient = queryConfig ? google.gmail({ version: 'v1', auth: oauth2Client }) : defaultGmailClient
        if (!gmailClient) throw new Error('Gmail client could not be created, please check your credentials')
    
        const result = await apiCall(gmailClient)
        return result
      } catch (error: any) {
        // Check for specific authentication errors
        if (
          error.message?.includes("invalid_grant") ||
          error.message?.includes("refresh_token") ||
          error.message?.includes("invalid_client") ||
          error.message?.includes("unauthorized_client") ||
          error.code === 401 ||
          error.code === 403
        ) {
          return formatResponse({
            error: `Authentication failed: ${error.message}. Please re-authenticate by running: npx @shinzolabs/gmail-mcp auth`,
          });
        }
    
        return formatResponse({ error: `Tool execution failed: ${error.message}` });
      }
    }
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states 'Updates' which implies a mutation, but fails to describe what happens during the update (e.g., partial vs. full updates, error conditions, or side effects). It doesn't mention permissions, rate limits, or what the tool returns, leaving significant behavioral gaps 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.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficient sentence with no wasted words. It's front-loaded with the core action ('Updates a send-as alias'), making it immediately clear. Every word earns its place, achieving optimal conciseness.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a mutation tool with 6 parameters and no annotations or output schema, the description is incomplete. It lacks behavioral context (e.g., update mechanics, error handling), usage guidelines, and any mention of return values. While the schema covers parameters well, the overall context for safe and effective use is insufficient.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema description coverage is 100%, with all 6 parameters well-documented in the schema itself. The description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond what the schema provides, so it meets the baseline of 3 for high schema coverage without adding extra value.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description 'Updates a send-as alias' clearly states the verb ('Updates') and resource ('send-as alias'), making the purpose immediately understandable. It distinguishes this from sibling tools like 'create_send_as' (creation) and 'delete_send_as' (deletion), though it doesn't explicitly mention these alternatives in the description itself.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., that the send-as alias must already exist), nor does it differentiate from similar tools like 'patch_send_as' (also present in the sibling list), leaving the agent to infer usage context solely from the tool name.

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

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