update_notification

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It reveals that passing None leaves fields unchanged, which is helpful for the nullable schema, but it does not mention side effects, permissions required, or any other behavioral traits beyond the mutation.

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 two sentences long. The first states the purpose, and the second provides a critical usage detail about null handling. Every word is necessary and no space is wasted.

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 the tool has 10 parameters, no schema descriptions, and no annotations, the description is severely incomplete. It does not mention the required notification_id, how to obtain it, what the update affects, or what the output schema contains. The user is left with many unknowns.

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 has 0% description coverage, so the description must compensate. It explains the null behavior for optional parameters but does not add any meaning for individual parameters like name, alert_type, or send_email. The description adds minimal value beyond what the schema's type information provides.

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 'Update a notification rule,' which is a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes the tool from sibling tools like create_notification or delete_notification.

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, no mention of prerequisites, and no context about when not to use it. The 'Pass None to leave fields unchanged' hint is useful but insufficient as usage guidance.

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