add_expense

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states that an entry is added, but does not disclose validation behavior, duplicate handling, side effects, required-field enforcement, or what happens after a successful add.

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 a single, direct sentence with virtually no filler. It could be considered slightly under-specified, but as far as conciseness and structure go, it is efficient and easy to parse.

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?

For a 5-parameter create operation with no annotations, no output schema, and no schema descriptions, this is not a complete definition. The description misses parameter details, input formats, result/error behavior, and any explicit differentiation from sibling tools.

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 description coverage is 0%, and the description does not compensate by explaining any of the parameters. The agent must rely entirely on parameter names like date, amount, category, subcategory, and note, with no type, format, or semantic guidance.

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 operation: 'Add a new expense entry to the database.' It uses a specific verb and resource, and the action is distinct from the sibling tools list_expenses and summarize, though it does not explicitly name them.

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 is provided about when to use this tool versus list_expenses or summarize outside of the obvious 'add' intent. There are no prerequisite conditions, exclusions, or alternative routing hints.

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