get_current_datetime

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It states the tool returns date/time in various formats but does not mention side effects, permissions, or limitations. For a read-only tool, this is acceptable but minimal. There is no contradiction with annotations.

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 two sentences, front-loaded with the purpose. It efficiently covers what the tool does and its use cases without extra words. Ideal conciseness.

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 simplicity (no output schema, few parameters), the description is complete enough. It explains the tool's purpose, supported formats, and use cases. It could mention the return structure, but for a datetime tool, the description sufficiently enables correct 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 coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all parameters. The description mentions 'various formats' and lists examples (ISO 8601, human-readable, ADR) which aligns with the 'format' enum, but adds no extra meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 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?

The description clearly states the tool retrieves the current date and time in various formats, specifies the verb 'Get' and resource 'current date and time'. It also mentions usefulness for ADRs and research documents, distinguishing it from sibling tools which focus on analysis or file operations.

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 provides context for when to use the tool, such as 'timestamping ADRs, research documents, and other architectural artifacts'. It does not explicitly mention when not to use it or compare to alternatives, but given no directly competing tools, the guidance is adequate.

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