Budget List Budget Months

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

Annotations declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, openWorldHint, and destructiveHint=false, but the description adds no behavioral context beyond the tool's name. It does not disclose how months are returned, whether the range is inclusive, or any constraints on start_month/end_month values.

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, front-loaded sentence with no filler words. While it is minimal, it is clean and focused, and every word contributes to the core message.

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?

With no output schema, the description should clarify what a budget month is and how start_month/end_month should be formatted or interpreted. It does neither, and the schema's partial documentation of output_mode and fields does not compensate for the missing explanation of required parameters.

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?

The schema documents only fields and output_mode; required start_month and end_month lack descriptions. The description provides no parameter-level information, leaving date format and range semantics entirely unspecified, so an agent cannot confidently construct valid month values.

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 uses a specific verb and resource: 'List budget months,' which makes it clear the tool returns a collection of months rather than a single budget or budget settings object. However, it does not explicitly differentiate itself from sibling budget_get_* tools or clarify what exactly a 'budget month' is.

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?

There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The sibling list contains many budget-related read tools, but the description offers no context for choosing this one, no mention of the required date range, and no exclusions or alternative tool references.

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