Get the current time in a time zone. Returns the current date, time, day of week and DST status for the given IANA time zone. Returns: Current time details for the requested zone..
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| timeZone | Yes | IANA time zone name, e.g. Asia/Shanghai or America/New_York. |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is known. The description adds value by disclosing the specific returned fields (current date, time, day of week, DST status), which is useful behavioral context beyond the annotations.
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 concise and front-loaded with the main action. However, it contains redundancy ('Returns: Current time details for the requested zone..' with a double period) and repeats information already in the purpose clause. Still, it is compact and readable.
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?
For a simple read-only tool with one well-documented parameter and no output schema, the description fully covers the return behavior and purpose. It does not need to explain errors or alternative tools; the information provided is sufficient for an agent to use it 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?
The input schema has 100% description coverage for the timeZone parameter, including an example. The description merely repeats 'IANA time zone' without adding new semantic information. Thus it meets the baseline but does not exceed it.
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 'Get the current time in a time zone' with a specific verb and resource. It further elaborates the exact outputs (date, time, day of week, DST status), making the tool's purpose unambiguous and distinguishable from the sibling list_time_zones.
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 the tool is for fetching current time for a given time zone. However, it does not explicitly mention the sibling tool list_time_zones or provide 'when not to use' guidance. The context makes the usage clear, but it lacks explicit alternatives or exclusions.
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.
The two tools have completely distinct purposes: one lists valid IANA time zones, the other retrieves the current time for a specified zone. There is no overlap or ambiguity between them.
Both tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern: 'get_current_time' and 'list_time_zones'. The naming is clear, predictable, and uniform.
With only 2 tools, the server feels minimal but covers its core functionality. The count is borderline for a standalone utility, though the tools are both essential and well-scoped.
The server covers the essential operations for a world time service: discovering valid zones and retrieving current time details. Minor gaps like time zone conversion or multi-zone lookups exist, but they are not critical for the stated purpose.