Update List

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

Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint=false and destructiveHint=false, and the description adds the requirement to provide at least one field. But it does not disclose authentication needs, error cases (e.g., non-existent list), or whether the response returns the updated resource. These gaps leave the agent without key behavioral context beyond the safety hints.

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, front-loaded sentence that states the core action and the key invocation constraint. It is concise, with no filler or redundancy, making it easy for an agent to parse quickly.

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?

The tool is simple (4 parameters, all documented) and the description covers the primary purpose and a critical usage rule. However, with no output schema, the agent is left uninformed about return values or possible error responses, which limits completeness for invoking the tool confidently in all scenarios.

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 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds the rule 'Provide at least one field to change,' which clarifies that list_id alone is insufficient and that at least one updatable field must be supplied—a constraint not enforced by the schema itself.

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 verb ('Update') and the resource ('an existing list'), and enumerates the specific fields affected (name, description, privacy). This distinguishes it from sibling tools such as x_create_list and x_delete_list, and from member-management tools like x_add_list_member.

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 implies usage for updating list metadata and explicitly instructs 'Provide at least one field to change,' which guides invocation. However, it does not explicitly contrast with alternatives (e.g., when to use x_add_list_member for membership changes), so the guidance is implicit rather than fully exclusions-based.

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