Get Budget Health

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

Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint false. The description adds valuable behavioral context by noting a YNAB API limitation about distinguishing cash vs credit overspending, which helps the agent interpret results correctly.

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 two sentences with zero wasted words. The first sentence immediately states what the tool does, and the second adds an important caveat. Perfectly front-loaded and concise.

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?

Without an output schema, the description compensates by listing key result components (net worth, account totals, month totals, etc.). It also addresses a data limitation, but could be slightly more explicit about the return format or scope.

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?

Both parameters have descriptions in the schema (100% coverage). The description adds specifics like 'use first day of month' for month and 'use last-used budget' for budget_id, enhancing understanding beyond the schema's generic descriptions.

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 starts with 'Single-call budget snapshot and diagnostic,' clearly stating the tool's purpose as a comprehensive read-only overview. It lists specific outputs like net worth, account totals, and overspent categories, making it distinct from sibling tools like get_accounts or get_spending_analysis.

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 a broad budget health check but does not explicitly state when to use it versus alternatives like get_spending_analysis or get_monthly_budget. There are no exclusion criteria or 'when not to use' guidance.

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