get_daily_steps

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

With no annotations, the description discloses the important behavioral trait of auto-chunking for date ranges exceeding 28 days, which adds significant transparency beyond a simple read operation. It does not cover authentication or error behavior, but the key feature is well communicated.

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, efficient sentence that front-loads the main purpose and key constraint. No extraneous words.

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 simple two-parameter tool with no output schema, the description covers the essential behavior (date range, max length, auto-chunking). It lacks details on return format or error handling, but these are reasonable omissions given the tool's apparent simplicity.

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% with individual parameter descriptions. The description adds semantic context by explaining the combined use of startDate and endDate as a range and the 28-day limit per request, which enriches understanding beyond 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 it retrieves daily step counts for a date range, using specific verb 'Get' and resource 'daily step counts'. It does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_steps' or 'get_steps_data', but the name and description imply a focused function.

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 indicates usage for a date range with a maximum of 28 days and auto-chunking for longer ranges, providing context for when to use. However, it lacks explicit guidance on when to prefer this tool over alternatives 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.