Update device

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

Annotations already provide idempotentHint and destructiveHint, so the description does not need to repeat those. However, it adds only the API endpoint, which is not a behavioral trait. There is no mention of side effects, permissions, or response behavior, so it contributes little beyond annotations.

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 very short, but the first two sentences are redundant tautologies ('Update device. Updates the specified device.'). The endpoint line is useful, but the repetition wastes space and makes the structure less efficient than it could be.

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?

For a mutation tool with no output schema, the description should provide more context about what updates are possible, behavior of group_id null, or what the response contains. It lacks this information, making it incomplete for an agent deciding whether and how to invoke it.

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 description does not add any meaning to the parameters beyond what is already in the schema. With 75% schema coverage, the schema already documents the parameters, and the description merely says 'updates the specified device' without explaining how name, notes, or group_id are used.

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 tool updates a device and includes the API endpoint PATCH /v2/devices/{id}, which identifies the verb and resource. However, it largely repeats the title and does not specify what aspects of the device can be updated, making it less informative than it could be.

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?

There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like assignGroupDevices or updateCustomFieldValue. The description simply restates the action without providing context, prerequisites, or exclusions.

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