update_variable

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden for behavioral traits. It only says 'Update' but does not disclose if it is an overwrite or partial update, any side effects, permissions required, idempotency, error handling, or return value. Minimal disclosure.

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 sentence with no fluff and is front-loaded. However, it sacrifices necessary detail for brevity. It earns a baseline conciseness score but is too scant to be effective.

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 complexity of an update operation and the presence of sibling tools, the description is vastly incomplete. It does not explain behavior when 'id' does not exist, whether the operation is atomic, or what the output is. Inadequate for safe agent use.

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 input schema has 0% coverage and the description adds no meaning to parameters 'id' and 'value'. It does not explain what 'id' refers to (e.g., variable ID) or what format 'value' expects. Completely uninformative.

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') and the resource ('an existing variable value'). It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'create_variable' or 'delete_variable' by specifying 'existing'. However, it does not explicitly state that it does not create new variables, which would strengthen clarity.

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 guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. Missing prerequisites (e.g., variable must exist), when-not-to-use, or references to sibling tools. The description only states what it does, not how to choose it.

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