get_budget_month

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

Annotations already provide readOnlyHint=true, and the description adds useful behavioral context by specifying exactly what the response includes: category groups, categories, budgeted/actual/remaining amounts, and to-be-budgeted amount. No destructive side effects are suggested, and the description aligns with the annotation.

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, well-structured sentence that front-loads the primary action and then compactly lists the output contents. There is no filler or redundant phrasing.

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 simple read-only tool with one optional parameter and no output schema, the description covers the essential return contents and scope. An agent can understand what information will be provided without needing additional details.

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 coverage is 100%, and the month parameter is fully documented with format, natural language examples, and default behavior. The description only repeats the notion of a 'specific month' and adds no extra parameter semantics beyond what the schema already provides, so the baseline of 3 is appropriate.

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 action ('Get') and the resource ('the budget for a specific month'), and enumerates the returned content: category groups, categories, budgeted amounts, actual spending, remaining balance, and to-be-budgeted amount. It is specific and understandable, but it does not explicitly distinguish itself from similar siblings like get_budget_summary or monthly_summary.

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 gives a clear use case: retrieving budget details for a specific month, with category-level breakdown and remaining balances. It implies when this tool should be used, but it does not state exclusions or explicitly point to alternatives such as get_budget_summary for higher-level budget figures.

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