Himalaya MCP Server

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. While it mentions what the tool returns ('MML template pre-filled with reply headers and quoted original message'), it doesn't describe important behavioral aspects like whether this is a read-only operation, what permissions are required, whether it modifies any data, or how errors are handled. For a tool with no annotation coverage, this leaves significant gaps in understanding its behavior.

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 well-structured and appropriately sized. The first sentence states the core purpose, followed by what it returns, then parameter explanations. Each sentence adds value without redundancy. It could be slightly more concise by combining some parameter explanations, but overall it's efficient and front-loaded with the most important information.

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 that there's an output schema (which handles return value documentation) and no annotations, the description provides adequate basic context about what the tool does and what parameters mean. However, for a tool that generates templates (potentially involving message composition and quoting), it lacks information about behavioral constraints, error conditions, or integration with sibling tools. The presence of an output schema elevates the baseline, but more behavioral context would be beneficial.

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?

With 0% schema description coverage, the description provides valuable semantic context for all 4 parameters beyond just their names. It explains that envelope_id is 'The envelope/message ID to reply to', folder 'defaults to INBOX', account 'uses the default account' if omitted, and reply_all controls whether to 'reply to all recipients'. This adds meaningful interpretation that the schema alone doesn't provide, though it doesn't cover all possible parameter nuances.

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 clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Generate a reply template for a message' with specific details about what it returns ('MML template pre-filled with reply headers and quoted original message'). It distinguishes from sibling tools like template_forward and template_write by focusing specifically on reply generation. However, it doesn't explicitly contrast with message_thread or envelope_thread which might also involve message replies.

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 implies usage context through the parameter explanations (e.g., 'The envelope/message ID to reply to'), suggesting this tool is used when you have a specific message to reply to. However, it doesn't provide explicit guidance on when to use this versus alternatives like template_forward or template_write, nor does it mention prerequisites or when-not-to-use scenarios.

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