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chrischall

freshbooks-mcp

by chrischall

freshbooks_create_time_entry

Log a time entry in FreshBooks by specifying duration in seconds and start time. Includes a confirmation step, returning a token for approval before creating the entry.

Instructions

Log a time entry. Duration is in SECONDS. Asks the user to confirm first: a confirmation prompt where the client supports one; otherwise the first call returns a preview and a confirmToken and makes no network call, and only a repeat call with that token proceeds (see MCP_CONFIRM_MODE).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
noteNo
billableNo
durationYesLogged time in SECONDS (e.g. 3600 = 1 hour)
client_idNo
project_idNo
service_idNo
started_atYesISO 8601 start time, e.g. 2026-08-12T09:00:00Z
confirmTokenNoONLY for the two-step confirmation fallback (a client without MCP elicitation). The confirmToken from this same tool's phase-1 "confirmation-required" response, passed back ONLY after the user has seen that preview and explicitly approved it in chat — never on the first call, never invented, never reused. Call again with the same arguments. Ignored when the client supports elicitation.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv1.1.0
    • removedInput schema / properties / confirm
      Removed value: -{
      -  "description": "Must be true to proceed. Without this, the tool returns a preview.",
      -  "type": "boolean"
      -}
    • addedInput schema / properties / confirmToken
      Added value: +{
      +  "description": "ONLY for the two-step confirmation fallback (a client without MCP elicitation). The confirmToken from this same tool's phase-1 \"confirmation-required\" response, passed back ONLY after the user has seen that preview and explicitly approved it in chat — never on the first call, never invented, never reused. Call again with the same arguments. Ignored when the client supports elicitation.",
      +  "type": "string"
      +}
  2. Changed1 schema field changedv0.7.0
    • changedInput schema / $schema
      Previous value: -"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"New value: +"https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema"
  3. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It clearly discloses the two-step confirmation behavior, the preview and confirmToken mechanism, and the fact that no network call occurs on the first call in fallback mode. It does not cover authentication or error behavior, but the core non-obvious behavior is explained.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is concise, with three sentences that front-load the purpose and key unit, then explain the confirmation flow. The confirmation explanation is slightly dense but necessary. Overall, it is well-structured and without fluff.

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

Completeness3/5

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

For an 8-parameter tool with no output schema and no annotations, the description covers the main flow and confirmation mechanism but leaves many parameter semantics unexplained. It is adequate for a basic understanding but incomplete for confident invocation, especially regarding the optional IDs and the response format.

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

Parameters3/5

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

Schema description coverage is only 38% (duration, started_at, confirmToken have descriptions). The description adds value by explaining the confirmToken's role and reiterating the seconds unit, but it does not clarify the purpose of note, billable, client_id, project_id, or service_id, which are undocumented in both schema and description. It partially compensates for low coverage but not fully.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description states the tool logs a time entry with a specific verb and resource, and emphasizes the duration unit (seconds). It is clear and distinct from sibling tools like list_time_entries, though it does not explicitly name alternatives.

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 you need to log time, but does not provide explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance or mention alternative tools. The confirmation flow is described, but the context of when to choose this over others is left to inference.

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