get_activities_by_date

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states 'Get all activities' implying a read operation, but omits details on safety (read-only), authentication needs, rate limits, pagination, or response format. Minimal transparency.

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 concise sentence (14 words) that is front-loaded with the key action. No wasted words, but it could benefit from a bit more structure (e.g., mentioning response format).

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 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description fails to explain return values, pagination, error handling, or date range boundaries. It is minimally adequate but incomplete for reliable agent invocation.

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 100%, so the description adds marginal value beyond the schema. The phrase 'optional filtering by type' matches the activityType parameter but does not clarify format or valid values already in the schema.

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 the verb 'Get' and resource 'activities' with scope 'within a date range' and optional filtering by type. It distinguishes from sibling tools like get_workouts or get_activity_details by emphasizing date range and type filtering.

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?

The description implies when to use (for activities in a date range, optionally filtered by type) but does not explicitly mention when not to use or suggest alternative tools (e.g., get_activity_details for a single activity).

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