Get or create the daily note

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full behavioral burden, and it delivers the single most important trait: the call may create the note from the daily template as a side effect. It stops short of saying whether creation is silent, what template is used, or what happens on write failure.

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?

One sentence, front-loaded with the primary action and the date scope, with the create fallback appended. Nothing extraneous.

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 single-optional-parameter tool with no output schema and no annotations, the description covers the default value, the date override, and the auto-creation behavior. Remaining gaps (return shape, template details) are minor.

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%, so the single 'date' parameter is already documented with its pattern and default. The description restates the today/specific-date behavior but adds no format or edge-case detail beyond the schema, matching the baseline 3.

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?

States a specific verb and resource ('Return today's daily note'), scopes it to a specific date, and discloses the get-or-create semantics. It doesn't explicitly differentiate itself from siblings like read_note or create_note, but 'daily note' is a recognizable distinct resource.

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?

Usage is implied: call it to obtain today's (or a given date's) daily note. There is no explicit when-not guidance or pointer to alternatives such as read_note for arbitrary notes or create_note for non-daily notes, so the agent must infer the boundary.

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