Retrieve a specific department record by its ID to access its details in QuickBooks Online.
Get a specific Department record by its ID.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| departmentId | Yes | The unique Department ID |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.4.4Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It only says 'Get a specific Department record by its ID,' which reveals no behavioral traits such as whether it works with deleted records, returns full details, or has rate limits. Minimal disclosure.
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?
One short, front-loaded sentence with zero waste. Every word earns its place.
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 (single required parameter, no output schema), the description is adequate but lacks mention of return format or any caveats. Could be improved with more context, but minimally covers the basics.
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 coverage is 100% and already describes the 'departmentId' parameter as 'The unique Department ID.' The description adds 'by its ID,' which provides no additional meaning beyond the schema. Baseline score applies.
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?
Clearly states the action (Get) and resource (a specific Department record), and specifies the key parameter (by its ID). This distinguishes it from siblings like list or search.
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 does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives. However, the name and sibling set imply it is for fetching a single record by ID. No when-not-to or alternative guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.