preview_column_update

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

With no annotations present, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure, but it only states the action without revealing side effects, return format, or validation behavior. It is implied that 'preview' is non-destructive, but this is not explicitly stated. The description does not disclose what happens on success or failure.

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 short sentence, making it very concise and front-loaded. However, it may be too brief, sacrificing important context for brevity. It does not introduce extraneous words.

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 that the tool has a nested 'updates' object and no output schema or annotations, the description is insufficient for an agent to understand the expected input and preview behavior. The lack of detail about the update structure and return value leaves significant gaps. The description is complete only as a high-level summary, not as a functional specification.

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 schema provides zero description coverage, and the description does not explain the meaning or structure of the parameters. The 'updates' object is particularly opaque—it is not described what keys or values it expects. The description adds no semantic value beyond the parameter names themselves.

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 identifies the action as 'preview updating' and the resource as 'a SharePoint list column.' This distinguishes it from sibling tools like 'apply_column_update' that would perform the actual update. The verb is specific enough to understand the tool's function.

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 the alternative 'apply_column_update' or other preview tools. There is no mention of prerequisites such as the column existing, or that the preview is a dry run before applying. No usage context is given.

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