update_column

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

With no annotations provided, the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It only says 'Update values' without specifying whether changes are permanent, if the session is modified in-place, or if the operation is reversible (e.g., via undo). It also does not mention required permissions, error handling, or any side effects. This is a significant gap for a mutation tool.

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 sentence that is front-loaded with the core action. It is concise enough to avoid unnecessary verbosity. However, it could be slightly expanded to include key parameter guidance without losing conciseness.

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's complexity (6 parameters, no annotations) and the presence of many sibling data manipulation tools, the description is severely incomplete. It does not explain the required parameters (session_id, column, operation), the behavior of different operations, or how results are returned (though an output schema exists). The description leaves the agent with many open questions for correct invocation.

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 input schema has 6 parameters with 0% description coverage. The description mentions 'replace, extract, split' as example operations but does not map these to the 'operation' parameter or explain the roles of 'value', 'pattern', and 'replacement'. Without this mapping, the agent cannot infer how to correctly set parameters. The description adds minimal semantic value beyond the parameter names.

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 'values in a specific column', and gives example operations (replace, extract, split). However, it does not differentiate from sibling tools like fill_missing_values or filter_rows, which could also modify column values. The purpose is clear but not uniquely distinguishing.

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 guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives like add_column, replace, or split. There is no mention of prerequisites, limitations, or context in which this tool is preferred. The description only states what it does, leaving the agent without direction for tool selection.

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