scope_get_date

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

The description only states the function and transport protocol. No behavioral traits such as side effects, required instrument state, or performance are disclosed. Without annotations, the description should provide more context about what the call does beyond the obvious.

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 extremely concise with two short sentences. The first sentence clearly states the purpose, and the second provides transport context. Every sentence earns its place; no superfluous information.

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 simplicity (no parameters, output schema exists), the description is adequate. It does not detail return values, but the output schema handles that. Behavioral context like requiring a connection is omitted, but not critical for this trivial query.

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?

The input schema has zero parameters, and schema description coverage is 100%. The description adds no parameter information, but none is needed since no parameters exist. Baseline for zero parameters is 4, which is appropriate.

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?

Clearly states it queries the oscilloscope internal date and time, using a specific verb 'Query' and a resource 'date and time'. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like scope_identify or scope_capabilities, which serve different purposes.

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 tool versus alternatives. However, the description implies it is the correct tool for retrieving date/time, and the lack of parameters suggests simple usage. Sibling tools offer similar but distinct queries, but no comparison is provided.

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