update_price_alert

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that clearing thresholds is Premium-only, free users must keep one direction, and isActive toggles without deletion. It also mentions required API key. This covers key behavioral traits, though it omits details like reversibility or error scenarios.

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 three sentences, each purposeful: first states purpose, second explains threshold and activation behavior, third notes authentication. No redundant words, efficient and front-loaded.

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?

Despite lacking output schema and annotations, the description covers purpose, parameter behavior, constraints, and authentication. It lacks mention of return values or error conditions, but for a simple update tool with sibling context, it is reasonably complete.

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?

Only the 'id' parameter has a schema description (25% coverage). The description adds critical meaning for the other three parameters: explains that null clears thresholds with Premium restriction, and that isActive toggles enable/disable. This compensates for the low schema coverage, though no additional info for 'id' is provided.

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 starts with 'Update an existing price alert,' which clearly states the verb and resource. It distinguishes from sibling tools like create_price_alert and delete_price_alert by focusing on modification. Additional details about clearing thresholds and toggling isActive further clarify specific update behaviors.

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 context on when to use by explaining the update function and including constraints (Premium vs free users, clearing thresholds). However, it does not explicitly advise against using this tool compared to delete+recreate or other alternatives, missing some guidance.

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