datetime_format_date

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure, but it only states the basic action. It does not explain what happens if the date string is malformed, what default format is used, or how locale affects output. This is insufficient for a formatting tool.

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 a single sentence, which is concise and not verbose. However, it is under-specified to the point of being insufficient. It lacks structure or detail, making it not earn its place despite its brevity.

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 lack of output schema and annotations, and the minimal description, the tool context is highly incomplete. It fails to describe return values, error handling, or example usage. A formatting tool needs much more detail to be usable.

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 adds no information about the three parameters (date, format, locale). It does not explain the expected format of the date input, the syntax for the format parameter, or the locale values. This leaves the agent guessing.

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 'Format a date string' clearly states the verb (format) and resource (date string). It distinguishes from sibling tools like datetime_add_to_date, datetime_date_diff, etc., which have different purposes. However, it could be more specific by indicating that it converts a date string to a specified format.

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 usage guidance is provided. The description does not indicate when to use this tool versus alternatives like datetime_current_time or datetime_convert_timezone. It lacks context on prerequisites or when not to use it.

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