Period Close Status

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

Annotations already provide readOnlyHint, destructiveHint, and idempotentHint, confirming safety. The description adds the specific behavior of returning the current open or most recently closed period when periodId is omitted, which goes beyond the annotations. No contradictions.

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 English portion is two concise sentences that immediately convey the purpose and default behavior. There is no fluff; the Spanish translation is auxiliary. Every sentence earns its place.

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 tool with comprehensive annotations and an output schema, the description fully covers the necessary information: what it returns, possible states, and default behavior. No gaps.

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% coverage for periodId with a description. The description adds critical context: 'Without periodId returns the current open or most recently closed period', explaining the parameter's optionality and default behavior, which is not in the 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 specifies the verb 'Get', the resource 'current accounting period state', and lists possible states (open/closing/closed/reopened). It distinguishes from sibling tools period_close and period_reopen by being read-only. The default behavior without periodId is clearly stated, making the tool's purpose unmistakable.

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 implies when to use: to check the accounting period state. Although it does not explicitly state when not to use or mention alternatives, the read-only nature and default behavior provide sufficient context. The sibling tools for mutating operations (period_close, period_reopen) are evident from the sibling list.

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