Get Budgets

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

Annotations provide readOnlyHint=true. Description adds that it returns a JSON string and supports natural language dates, which is useful context. However, it doesn't disclose pagination, limits, or default behavior beyond basic retrieval.

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?

Relatively concise but includes an 'Args' section that partially duplicates schema information. The natural language hint is valuable. Could be more front-loaded without the structured list.

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?

Given the output schema exists and the tool is simple (2 optional params), the description is adequate but lacks defaults, ordering, and scope (e.g., returns all budgets or only filtered?). Missing context on what happens with no dates.

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 has 0% description coverage, so the description carries the full burden. It explains both parameters (start_date, end_date) with purpose and natural language support, significantly adding meaning beyond the schema's minimal type info.

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 'Retrieve budget information with flexible date filtering', specifying the action (retrieve), resource (budgets), and distinctive feature (date filtering). It stands out from siblings like 'set_budget_amount' (write) and 'analyze_spending_patterns' (analysis).

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?

No explicit guidance on when to use this vs. other budget-related tools like 'set_budget_amount' or 'analyze_spending_patterns'. No when-not-to-use or alternative recommendations.

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