cn402_today

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must compensate. It lists the output components (lunar date, gan-zhi, etc.) but does not disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, data freshness, or potential limitations. The mention of pricing is unusual but adds some context. Overall, adequate but not thorough.

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 somewhat verbose with repetitions of 'today' and includes an extraneous pricing line. It could be more concise and front-loaded. The key information is present but not tightly organized.

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 as an aggregator and the absence of an output schema, the description provides a good list of included elements (yi/ji, festivals, solar term, etc.). However, it does not detail the return format or data types, leaving some ambiguity for the agent.

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 description coverage is 100% (single optional date parameter). The description repeats that the date is optional and defaults to today, which is already in the schema. No additional meaning is added 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 the tool provides a comprehensive summary of Chinese calendar context for today or any date, listing specific components (lunar date, gan-zhi, zodiac, yi/ji, festivals, solar term, etc.). The phrase 'one-call snapshot' distinguishes it from more specialized sibling tools like cn402_festival_today or cn402_lunar.

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 implies using this tool for a broad overview via 'one-call snapshot', but it does not explicitly state when to use alternatives or when not to use this tool. Sibling tools are numerous and more specific, but no direct guidance is provided.

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