devto_get_analytics

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full disclosure burden. It adds useful behavioral context by noting that all eight reports are available and that only totals and past_day can omit a date range. However, it does not describe response behavior, authorization needs, or the different nature of the reports beyond their names.

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?

Two short sentences with no wasted words. The primary resource is front-loaded and the most important parameter condition is stated immediately. It is concise while still carrying useful information.

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?

The description is adequate for basic invocation but sparse given an 8-valued enum, no output schema, and no annotations. It does not explain what each report type returns or how date ranges apply to each ranged report, though the enum names and schema descriptions provide partial guidance.

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 schema describes start and end fields with date format, but the report parameter only has an enum. The description adds meaningful parameter semantics by stating that totals and past_day do not need a date range, which clarifies when start and end are relevant. This goes beyond the schema coverage of 67%.

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 names the resource ('Author analytics') and the name includes the verb 'get', clearly signaling a retrieval operation. It is differentiated from sibling tools because none of the listed siblings target analytics, though it does not explicitly contrast with them.

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 tool's intended use is clear: retrieve author analytics. It also provides a conditional guideline ('totals and past_day need no date range'), which helps the agent decide what inputs to supply. No explicit exclusions or alternatives are mentioned, but no competing analytics sibling exists.

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