Get a Redmine time entry

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

Even with readOnlyHint and destructiveHint annotations, the description adds meaningful behavioral context: the exact endpoint, permission requirements, possible 401/403/404 responses, visible custom fields, URL behavior, and an explicit statement that it never changes Redmine data. No contradiction with 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 dense but every sentence contributes: the action and endpoint are front-loaded, followed by parameter, result, permission/error behavior, and safety. There is no filler or unnecessary repetition.

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 single-parameter read tool with an output schema and strong annotations, the description covers everything needed to invoke it correctly: endpoint, required ID, permission/error behavior, result shape, and side-effect-free guarantee. It is 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 100% and the parameter is well-documented in the schema. The description adds that the ID is 'positive safe numeric' and required, but this mostly restates the schema's exclusiveMinimum and integer type, so it only marginally adds meaning.

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 is explicit: 'Read one visible Redmine time entry from GET /time_entries/:id.json for the configured API user.' This names a specific verb, resource, and endpoint, and the singular 'one' clearly distinguishes it from list-oriented siblings like list_time_entries.

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 clearly positions this as a single-resource read by ID and notes the configured API user and visibility constraints. It does not explicitly name alternatives or state when not to use it, so it stops short of a 5.

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