linear_updateReleasePipeline

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It only states 'update' without detailing side effects, required permissions, rate limits, or whether it is a partial update. This is insufficient for an agent to fully understand the tool's behavior.

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, each sentence adds value. It is extremely concise, front-loading the purpose, with no wasted words. It efficiently communicates the core operation and a key usage constraint.

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 7 parameters and absence of output schema or annotations, the description is minimally adequate. It explains the basic operation and partial update requirement but does not cover return values, error conditions, or behavior with specific fields. It is serviceable but not comprehensive.

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 100% description coverage, so the baseline is 3. The tool description adds no additional parameter meaning beyond the schema's own descriptions, thus meeting but not exceeding expectations.

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') and the resource ('an existing release pipeline'), which is specific and distinguishes it from other tools with different resources. The additional instruction about providing id and at least one other field clarifies the operation's requirement.

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 provides a basic guideline ('Provide id plus at least one other field to change'), but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives or provide exclusions. It implies an update operation but lacks context on prerequisites or scenarios where other tools might be preferred.

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