preview_list_update

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full responsibility for disclosing behavioral traits. It does not mention return values, side effects, safety, or whether the preview is read-only. The user is left without any indication of what the tool actually does beyond the name.

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 that is under-specified rather than appropriately concise. It simply restates the tool name with articles, adding no value, so it fails to earn its place.

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 no annotations, no output schema, and 0% schema description coverage, the description is severely incomplete. It does not explain what the preview does, how to interpret the result, or any constraints, making it inadequate for a tool with nested object parameters and many siblings.

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 0%, and the description provides no parameter explanations. Both required parameters (listId and updates) are undefined, and the structure of the 'updates' object is completely unspecified. The description adds no meaning beyond the raw schema.

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 'Preview a list update' is nearly a tautology, restating the tool name without adding any specific context. It names a verb and resource but doesn't clarify what constitutes a 'list update' or distinguish it from sibling tools like apply_list_update or preview_delete_list.

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 is provided for when to use this tool versus alternatives. The word 'preview' hints that it might be used before applying an update, but there is no explicit explanation of the intended workflow or comparisons to other preview/apply tools.

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