get_activity_samples

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

No annotations are present, so the description must fully convey behavioral traits. It mentions the tool returns intraday data, but fails to disclose important aspects like authorization requirements, rate limits, or whether it mutates state. For a read operation, more explicit safety signals are needed.

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 concise sentences that front-load the core purpose and include the key conditional behavior. Every word adds value with no redundancy.

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 simplicity (one optional parameter) and no output schema, the description provides sufficient context to understand its basic function and the parameter's behavior. However, it could be more complete by specifying the return format or data range, but overall adequate.

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 description adds meaning beyond the schema by explaining the behavior when the 'date' parameter is omitted, which is not captured in the schema. Since schema coverage is 100%, the baseline is 3; the extra conditional context raises it to 4.

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 clearly states the tool retrieves 'detailed activity samples' with specific examples (step counts, activity zone data) and indicates 'intraday activity breakdown'. It distinguishes from sibling tools like get_daily_activity_range by implying a single-day scope, though explicit differentiation is missing.

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 provides a conditional usage note for the 'date' parameter, stating that omitting it lists available dates. However, it lacks guidance on when to use this tool versus related siblings (e.g., get_activity_samples_range) or any prerequisites.

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