slipbox_list_notes_by_date

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It explains filtering by created_at or updated_at, optional date bounds, and the default limit. However, it does not disclose result ordering, how date boundaries are handled, or pagination behavior, leaving some uncertainty about exact behavior.

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 compact, front-loaded with the primary action, and organized with a clear Args block. It is slightly redundant with the schema's property definitions, but since the schema lacks descriptions, the explicit parameter documentation is justified and easy to scan.

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 read-only listing tool with an output schema, the description covers the essential invocation details and parameter semantics. It does not discuss ordering or edge cases, but the output schema and the simplicity of the operation make the definition sufficiently complete for correct invocation.

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. It explains every parameter beyond the raw schema: ISO date format for start_date/end_date, the true/false semantics of use_updated, and the default limit. This is exactly the kind of parameter-level guidance an agent needs.

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 opens with a specific verb and resource: 'List notes by creation or update date.' This makes the tool's purpose immediately clear and distinguishes it from content-based or similarity-based sibling tools. It also gives practical use cases, reinforcing what the tool is for.

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 states when the tool is appropriate: 'Useful for reviewing recent work or finding notes from a specific period.' It provides clear context, though it does not explicitly point to alternatives such as slipbox_search_notes for content-based lookup or when not to use this tool.

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