timezone_convertConvert a time between time zones, or get current time in any zone. from/to = IANA zone (Asia/Shanghai), time = YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm (default now).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | No | ||
| from | No | ||
| time | No |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states the function (conversion/current time) and parameter formats but does not disclose behavioral traits such as output format, error handling for invalid zones, or whether it requires network access. For a pure utility, this is minimally acceptable but could be more explicit.
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, front-loaded with the core action, and every word contributes value. It efficiently packs purpose, parameter semantics, and default behavior without redundancy.
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 tool is simple and has no output schema or annotations. The description covers purpose and parameter basics, but it leaves ambiguity about what happens when 'from' or 'to' are omitted (e.g., if only 'to' is given, does it assume current time?). It also does not mention what the output looks like (e.g., formatted time string). For a simple tool, this is adequate but not fully complete.
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 coverage is 0%; all three parameters are bare strings. The description adds critical meaning by specifying that 'from' and 'to' are IANA timezone identifiers (with example 'Asia/Shanghai') and that 'time' follows YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm format with a default of 'now'. This significantly compensates for the schema's lack of details, though it does not clarify interactions among parameters.
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 tool converts time between time zones or gets current time in any zone, using a specific verb ('convert') and resource (time zones). It inherently distinguishes itself from siblings, which are unrelated to time utilities. The phrase 'from/to = IANA zone' adds intentional scoping.
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 implies usage by explaining what it does and gives examples of parameter formats, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives or exclude any scenarios. It provides enough context for a simple conversion tool, but lacks explicit when/when-not guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.
Most tools have clear, separate purposes: diff, redact, regex, JWT, SQL, timezone, units, QR, screenshot. The main overlap is between json_format and validate_json, since both parse and validate JSON, though their outputs differ enough to be workable.
The majority follow a clear snake_case verb_noun or noun_verb pattern like diff_text, transpile_sql, and timezone_convert. sql_from_description and what_can_you_do break the pattern, but the rest is predictable and readable.
14 tools is well-scoped for a general-purpose developer utility server. Each tool covers a distinct practical need, and the count does not feel bloated for the breadth of features offered.
The toolkit covers a broad range of everyday dev utilities: text diffing, redaction, regex, JSON/YAML, SQL, time, units, JWT, QR, and screenshots. Some common basics like base64, hashing, or URL encoding could be useful additions, but the surface is complete enough for its stated purpose.