Track email volume by counting emails received daily within a specified date range using YYYY-MM-DD format for start and end dates.
Count emails received for each day in a date range
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| end_date | Yes | End date in YYYY-MM-DD format | |
| start_date | Yes | Start date in YYYY-MM-DD format |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, description carries full burden. It does not disclose scope (e.g., all folders, spam), side effects, rate limits, or output format. Minimal behavioral context beyond the basic operation.
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?
Single sentence, zero waste, front-loaded with verb and resource.
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?
Missing output format (array of date-count objects), scope (which mailbox), and assumptions about missing days. No output schema to compensate.
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%, so baseline is 3. Description adds no extra meaning beyond schema; it implies date range but doesn't clarify inclusive/exclusive bounds or format validation.
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 'Count emails received for each day in a date range' uses a specific verb ('count') and resource ('emails') and clearly distinguishes from sibling tools like 'search-emails' or 'send-email'.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention when not to use it or compare to other tools like 'search-emails' for broader queries.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.