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Glama

set_parents

Assign a father and/or mother to a child in a GEDCOM file, reusing an existing family record or creating a new one. Simplifies linking parents to children in family trees.

Instructions

Make father/mother the parents of a child, reusing their existing family or creating one.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fileNoGEDCOM file name (with or without .ged). Optional when only one file exists.
child_idYesRecord id such as @I12@
father_idNo
mother_idNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
idNoId of the record created or modified
fileYes
backupNoPath of the .bak written before saving
messageYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare this is a non-read-only but non-destructive, closed-world mutation. The description adds real value by disclosing that existing family records are reused and a new one may be created. It says nothing about what happens when the child already has parents, whether both parents may be omitted, or error behavior.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

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

One efficient sentence with the action front-loaded. The trailing clause about reusing or creating a family is somewhat compressed and slightly ambiguous, but nothing is wasted.

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

Completeness3/5

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

An output schema exists, so return values need no explanation. However, for a mutation that reshapes family structure, the description omits the key behavioral questions (replacement of existing parents, optionality of father vs mother, required permissions), leaving gaps for a 4-parameter tool.

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?

Schema coverage is 50%, and father_id/mother_id have no schema descriptions at all. The description's mention of 'father/mother' partially maps to those undocumented parameters but does not clarify whether either is required, whether omitting one is allowed, or the @I12@ id format beyond what child_id's schema already states.

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 states a specific verb and resource: making a father/mother the parents of a child. It is clear and distinct from siblings like add_child or add_family, though it never names those alternatives explicitly.

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?

There is no statement of when to use this tool versus add_child, add_family, or update_individual, and no prerequisites or exclusions are given. The agent must infer usage entirely from the purpose sentence.

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