basecamp_update_todolist

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only conveys that it performs an update (a mutation), but gives no information about partial updates, required permissions, reversibility, or effects on related resources. This is insufficient for an agent to know the tool's side effects.

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 extremely terse and front-loaded, which is good, but it sacrifices necessary information. It is not a well-structured summary of functionality; it's barely a sentence.

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?

Despite being a simple tool, the lack of output schema and annotations places the burden on the description. Four parameters are undocumented, and no context is given about the update behavior. The description is inadequate for an agent to use the tool correctly.

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?

Schema description coverage is 0%, and the description does not explain any of the four parameters. It doesn't clarify that name and description are updatable fields, while project_id and todolist_id are identifiers. The description adds no meaning beyond the raw schema.

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 states the verb 'Update' and the resource 'to-do list', clearly identifying the operation and distinguishing it from other resource-specific update tools (e.g., update_todo, update_project). However, it lacks any detail about what aspects of the todo list can be updated, making it less informative than it could be.

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 the many sibling update tools. There is no mention of prerequisites, typical use cases, or alternatives.

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