gmail_get_vacation

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. The verb 'Get' indicates a non-mutating operation, which is helpful, but the description does not explicitly state side-effect-free behavior or any other behavioral traits beyond simply retrieving settings. It is adequate but not detailed.

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 a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the action ('Get') and clearly states the resource. No superfluous words; every word 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?

Given the tool's low complexity (0 parameters, no annotations), the description is mostly complete. The presence of an output schema covers return values. It could have added a note that this is a safe read-only operation and complements gmail_set_vacation, but the description is sufficient for a simple getter.

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 tool has zero parameters, so there is nothing to document. The schema is empty, and the description does not need to add parameter meaning. Baseline 4 applies for 0-parameter tools.

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 uses the specific verb 'Get' and clearly identifies the resource as 'Gmail vacation/auto-reply settings'. It distinguishes this tool from siblings like gmail_set_vacation and other gmail actions, leaving no ambiguity about what the tool does.

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 as a read-only getter, especially given the counterpart gmail_set_vacation among siblings, but it does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives or provide any exclusion guidance. There is no mention of use cases like checking current vacation status before updating.

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