get_news_by_date

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden. It transparently explains date_range formats, platform filtering behavior, limit maximums, and the include_url token-saving default. It does not mention error handling, rate limits, or authentication, but the read-only nature of 'fetch' is clear and the parameter behaviors are well documented.

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 well-structured with a concise purpose sentence followed by a clean Args/Returns breakdown. Every argument is explained with practical examples and defaults, with no filler or redundant content.

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?

The tool has four optional parameters and an output schema, and the description covers all parameters, defaults, and return fields. It lacks edge-case details such as empty-result behavior or timezone handling, but for a read-only historical query tool, the description provides enough for an agent to call it correctly.

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%, so the description must fully compensate for parameter semantics. It does this excellently: date_range has multiple explicit format examples, platforms has an example list, limit has default and max values, and include_url states its default and rationale. This is more informative than the schema alone.

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 that the tool fetches news data for a specified date range for historical analysis and comparison. This is a specific verb+resource pair that distinguishes it from get_latest_news, though it does not explicitly name sibling alternatives.

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 provides a clear usage context: historical data analysis and comparison. It implies this tool is for date-bound queries rather than real-time or keyword searches, but it does not explicitly state when to prefer alternatives like get_latest_news or search_news.

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