qbo_reports_profit_and_loss

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

With no annotations provided, the description must reveal behavioral traits. It only states that the tool 'gets' a report and 'shows' data, without disclosing details like whether it returns summary or detailed figures, any limitations, or side effects. This is insufficient for a report 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 two sentences, directly stating the tool's action and the report's content. Every word is meaningful with no redundancy, achieving high 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 (3 parameters, no nested objects) and full schema coverage, the description covers the basic purpose. However, it lacks information about output structure, error handling, or additional context that would help an agent fully understand the tool's behavior.

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% (all parameters described), so the description adds little beyond the schema. It mentions 'date range' which aligns with start_date and end_date, but provides no extra insight on the accounting_method parameter.

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 a Profit and Loss report for a date range and lists the key components (revenue, expenses, net income). It distinguishes this from sibling reports by its explicit name and description, though it does not differentiate itself further.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus other report tools (e.g., balance sheet, cash flow). There are no explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use instructions, leaving the agent to infer context from the name alone.

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