update_subscription_rate_plan

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It states 'Update' which implies mutation, but lacks details on idempotency, required permissions, side effects, response format, or whether changes are immediate. The optional fields are listed but without behavioral context.

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?

Very concise: one sentence plus a path and list of optional fields. No fluff, but the structure is a bit terse; the list could be better formatted. Still efficient.

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 6 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is incomplete. It omits clarification on the effect of updating fields like effectiveStartDate or changeStatusBasedOnCharge, response behavior, and error conditions. The path pattern helps but is not enough.

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?

Input schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description merely repeats optional fields from the schema without adding new meaning (e.g., format constraints, relationships, or default behaviors).

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 action ('Update a rate plan on a subscription') and includes the HTTP method and path, distinguishing it from sibling tools like add_subscription_rate_plan (create) and remove_subscription_rate_plan (delete).

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 explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description implies modification but does not provide context on prerequisites, when not to use it, or compare to related tools like update_subscription.

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