plaid-mcp

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses key behavioral traits: it initiates a session, returns a URL for user authentication, and requires a follow-up call to 'complete_linking'. However, it lacks details on error handling, timeouts, or authentication requirements, which are relevant for a session initiation 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 front-loaded with the core purpose in the first sentence, followed by essential usage details. Every sentence earns its place with no wasted words, making it highly efficient and easy to parse.

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 tool's complexity (session initiation with a follow-up step), no annotations, and no output schema, the description is mostly complete. It covers the purpose, usage flow, and output, but could improve by mentioning potential errors or the URL's validity duration for full contextual coverage.

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 0 parameters with 100% coverage, so no parameter documentation is needed. The description adds value by explaining the output (a URL) and the subsequent action, which compensates for the lack of output schema, though it doesn't detail the URL format.

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 specific action ('Start a new Plaid Link session') and resource ('Plaid Link'), distinguishing it from siblings like 'complete_linking' or 'list_linked_institutions_tool'. It uses precise verbs and identifies the exact functionality.

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 explicitly states when to use this tool ('Start a new Plaid Link session') and provides a clear alternative ('call complete_linking with the returned link_token'), guiding the agent on the workflow sequence without ambiguity.

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