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create_transaction

Add a new transaction to your YNAB budget by specifying amount, date, account, and optional details like payee or category.

Instructions

Create a new transaction in the specified budget and account

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
budget_idYes
account_idYes
amountYes
dateYes
payee_nameNo
payee_idNo
category_idNo
memoNo
clearedNo
approvedNo
flag_colorNo
import_idNo
dry_runNo
subtransactionsNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Behavior3/5

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

Annotations indicate this is not read-only (readOnlyHint: false), not idempotent (idempotentHint: false), and not destructive (destructiveHint: false), with open-world data (openWorldHint: true). The description adds minimal behavioral context beyond this—it confirms creation but doesn't elaborate on effects like budget updates, validation rules, or error handling. No contradiction with annotations exists.

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 a single, efficient sentence that front-loads the core purpose without unnecessary words. Every part earns its place by succinctly conveying the tool's function, making it easy to parse quickly.

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

Completeness2/5

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

Given the complexity (14 parameters, 0% schema coverage, no output schema details provided in context), the description is inadequate. It doesn't address parameter semantics, behavioral nuances like error cases or side effects, or how this tool fits among siblings, leaving the agent poorly equipped for correct invocation.

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

Parameters2/5

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

With 0% schema description coverage for 14 parameters, the description fails to compensate by explaining any parameter meanings, constraints, or relationships. It mentions 'budget and account' but doesn't clarify their roles or how they interact with other parameters like 'amount' or 'date', leaving significant gaps in understanding.

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 clearly states the action ('Create a new transaction') and specifies the context ('in the specified budget and account'), which provides a specific verb+resource combination. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'create_transactions' (plural) or 'create_receipt_split_transaction', which appear to serve related but potentially different purposes.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention sibling tools like 'create_transactions' (for bulk operations) or 'create_receipt_split_transaction' (for specialized splits), nor does it specify prerequisites or appropriate contexts beyond the basic parameters.

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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