Query Logs by Time Range

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It mentions time format support but lacks critical behavioral details: whether this is a read-only operation, what permissions are required, if there are rate limits, what the output format looks like, or if it's paginated. For a query tool with zero annotation coverage, this is inadequate.

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 with zero waste. The first sentence states the core purpose, and the second provides essential format information. Every word earns its place 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?

For a query tool with 4 parameters, no annotations, and no output schema, the description is insufficient. It doesn't explain what the tool returns, what permissions are needed, or how results are structured. The behavioral transparency gap makes this incomplete for effective agent use.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema fully documents all 4 parameters. The description adds minimal value beyond the schema by mentioning relative time support, which is already covered in the 'startTime' parameter description. Baseline 3 is appropriate when schema does the heavy lifting.

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 action ('Query') and resource ('Google Cloud Logs') with specific scope ('within a specific time range'). It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'gcp-logging-query-logs' and 'gcp-logging-search-comprehensive' by emphasizing time-range filtering as its primary function.

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 context by mentioning 'time range' support, but doesn't explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'gcp-logging-query-logs' or 'gcp-logging-search-comprehensive'. No guidance on prerequisites, exclusions, or comparison with siblings is provided.

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