update_camera

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

There are no annotations, so the description carries the full burden of disclosing behavior. It says 'Update settings' but does not mention mutation side effects, permissions, reversibility, or what happens to the camera when settings change. The parameter notes describe inputs, not behavioral impact.

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 compact, front-loaded with the core action, and each parameter has a short purpose-specific line. No sentence is wasted or redundant.

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 description covers required parameters and the prerequisite lookup, and an output schema exists so return values need not be explained. However, the freeform settings object with additionalProperties true leaves allowed keys and update side effects under-specified, which an agent needs to call this tool confidently.

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, and the description compensates well: host is clarified as 'console name, ID, or composite ID (MAC:numericId format)', and camera_id is tied to list_cameras. 'settings' is described only as 'key-value pairs of camera settings to update,' which is adequate but not exhaustive about valid keys.

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 names a specific action and resource: 'Update settings for a Protect camera,' and it gives concrete examples ('name, recording mode, etc.'). This clearly distinguishes it from sibling camera tools like get_camera, get_camera_snapshot, or disable_camera_mic_permanently.

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 gives clear operating context by stating that camera_id is REQUIRED and must be obtained from list_cameras, which is a useful prerequisite. It does not explicitly discuss when to prefer this over alternatives or call out exclusions, so it falls just short of a 5.

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