analytics_period_categories_top

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

Annotations already set readOnlyHint and openWorldHint. The description adds value by clarifying that 'food means dining out plus groceries', which is a non-obvious behavioral detail. This contextual nuance helps agents interpret user intent correctly.

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 short and front-loaded with the core purpose. Usage guidelines and trigger words are provided without redundancy. Minor improvement could be structuring parameter descriptions, but overall efficient.

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 no output schema and 4 undocumented parameters, the description lacks key context. It does not describe the return format, pagination, or how categories are sorted. The prerequisites and trigger words help, but the incompleteness reduces the tool's usability.

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% and the description provides no explanation of parameters. It fails to define 'period', 'limit', 'paymentMethod', or 'account', leaving the agent without essential guidance on how to fill these fields.

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 'Get top categories for a statement period', specifying the verb, resource, and scope. It differentiates from siblings like 'analytics_period_categories' (all categories) and 'analytics_range_categories_top' (range-based) by targeting a specific period and top-N results.

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?

Provides explicit prerequisite: 'Call analytics_periods_list first to confirm the requested period exists.' Also defines when to use (top-N category questions, including food-specific triggers). However, it does not mention when not to use or explicitly name alternatives such as 'analytics_range_categories_top' for range queries.

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