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aliyun

Alibaba Cloud RDS OpenAPI MCP Server

Official
by aliyun

get_current_time

Read-only

Retrieve the current time from the Alibaba Cloud RDS OpenAPI MCP Server to synchronize database operations and ensure accurate timestamping.

Instructions

Get the current time.

Returns:
    Dict[str, Any]: The response containing the current time.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Implementation Reference

  • The handler function for the 'get_current_time' tool, decorated with @tool for registration. It returns the current datetime in '%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S' format.
    @tool(group=RDS_CUSTOM_GROUP_NAME)
    async def get_current_time() -> Dict[str, Any]:
        """Get the current time.
    
        Returns:
            Dict[str, Any]: The response containing the current time.
        """
        import datetime
        try:
            current_time = datetime.datetime.now()
            formatted_time = current_time.strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")
            return {
                "current_time": formatted_time
            }
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"Error occurred while getting the current time: {str(e)}")
            raise Exception(f"Failed to get the current time: {str(e)}")
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations indicate readOnlyHint=true, which the description aligns with by describing a read operation ('Get'). The description adds value by specifying the return type (Dict[str, Any]) and content ('current time'), providing context beyond annotations. No contradictions exist.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is highly concise and front-loaded, stating the purpose in the first sentence and the return format in the second. Every sentence adds essential information without waste, making it easy to parse.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (0 parameters, read-only, with output schema), the description is complete. It explains what the tool does and the return format, and with annotations and output schema covering safety and structure, no additional details are needed.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 0 parameters and 100% schema description coverage, the schema fully documents the absence of inputs. The description appropriately omits parameter details, maintaining focus on the tool's function without redundancy. Baseline is 4 for zero parameters.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose with a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('current time'), making it immediately understandable. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools by focusing solely on time retrieval, unlike database or instance management tools in the list.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage when the current time is needed, but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., system time functions or other time-related tools). It lacks context about prerequisites or exclusions.

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

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