get_time_entry

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

No annotations are provided, and the description offers no behavioral details beyond the basic action. It does not mention read-only nature, authentication requirements, or error handling (e.g., what happens if the entry_id is invalid).

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 extremely concise at 6 words and front-loads the action. It is efficient, though it could benefit from slight expansion for clarity without losing conciseness.

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 presence of an output schema, the description does not need to detail return values. However, it lacks information on edge cases or behavior when the entry is not found. It is minimally adequate for a simple retrieval tool but not comprehensive.

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 input schema has 0% description coverage for the single parameter entry_id. The tool description adds no additional meaning beyond 'by ID', and the schema title 'Entry Id' is the only context. The description could clarify that entry_id is the unique identifier of the time entry.

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 'Get a specific time entry by ID.' clearly states the verb (get), the resource (specific time entry), and the method (by ID). It effectively distinguishes from sibling tools like list_time_entries, which retrieves multiple entries.

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 explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as list_time_entries. The description only implies usage when a specific ID is available, but does not clarify exclusions or provide context for choosing between tools.

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