Retrieve Balance

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

The description adds value beyond the annotation (readOnlyHint=true) by explaining the format of the return value (broken down by currency and status). No behavioral traits are hidden, and 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 a single, clear sentence with no redundant words. Every part adds value, and it is well front-loaded with the action and resource.

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 has no parameters, a simple description is appropriate. It specifies what is returned (balance broken down by currency/status). However, it does not disclose the exact structure of the response object, which could be useful but is not critical for a read-only retrieval tool.

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 tool has zero parameters, so by the rubric baseline is 4. The description does not need to add parameter information, and it correctly uses the empty input 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 uses a specific verb 'retrieve' and clearly identifies the resource as 'Stripe account balance', with added detail about breakdown by currency and status. This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools which operate on specific entities like customers or payments.

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 implicitly indicates this tool is for fetching the overall account balance, with no parameters needed. It does not provide explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance, but given the simplicity and the context of sibling tools, the usage is clear enough.

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