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get_expense

Retrieve detailed information for a specific expense entry in FreshBooks to track costs and manage business finances.

Instructions

Get full details of a specific expense.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
expense_idYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Implementation Reference

  • The handler function for the 'get_expense' tool, which fetches details of a specific expense from FreshBooks.
    @mcp.tool()
    @_handle_errors
    async def get_expense(expense_id: int) -> str:
        """Get full details of a specific expense."""
        result = await client.accounting_get("expenses/expenses", expense_id)
        return _fmt(result.get("expense", result))
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states 'Get full details' but doesn't disclose behavioral traits such as authentication requirements, rate limits, error handling, or what 'full details' includes. This leaves significant gaps for a read operation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficient sentence with no wasted words. It's appropriately sized and front-loaded, making it easy to parse quickly.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's low complexity (one parameter) and the presence of an output schema, the description is somewhat complete but lacks behavioral context. Without annotations, it should cover more about permissions or response structure, though the output schema mitigates some gaps.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, but the description adds minimal value beyond the schema. It implies the parameter 'expense_id' is used to identify a specific expense, but doesn't explain format, constraints, or examples. With one parameter, the baseline is 4, but the lack of detail reduces it to 3.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb ('Get') and resource ('full details of a specific expense'), making the purpose understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'list_expenses' or 'get_invoice', which would require more specificity about scope or resource type.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

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 alternatives like 'list_expenses' for multiple expenses or 'get_invoice' for other resource types. The description implies usage for retrieving details of a single expense but lacks explicit context or exclusions.

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

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