publish_expense

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure, but it provides none. Publishing implies a state change or finalization, yet the description does not mention permissions, irreversibility, side effects, or idempotency.

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 short and free of filler, but the brevity comes from omitting essential details rather than distilling useful information. It is concise in form but not appropriately sized for the content an agent needs.

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 tool is simple with one integer parameter, so the schema covers basic invocation. However, the description does not explain the publish operation's purpose or consequences, leaving the agent to guess what happens after the call.

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 0%, and the description adds no information about the 'id' parameter beyond its raw name. It fails to state that the id identifies which expense to publish or how it should be obtained.

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 'Publish an expense' is essentially a direct restatement of the tool name, making it a tautology. It does not explain what 'publish' means in the accounting context—e.g., finalizing, posting, or submitting—nor does it distinguish the action from update_expense or create_expense.

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?

No guidance is provided about when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description gives no context about whether publishing happens after an expense is created, whether it is for approval workflows, or when it should be avoided.

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