dataset_provenanceThe source, the date it was computed, the licence and the citation for the Binstockly dataset. Read this to attribute a figure correctly.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No arguments | |||
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavior disclosure. It explains the tool is read-only in effect ('Read this'), and enumerates the exact content it returns. It does not describe formatting, but for a zero-parameter metadata lookup this is not a significant gap.
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?
Two short sentences, both purposeful: the first lists the returned data, the second states the usage scenario. No filler or repetition.
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?
For a simple metadata lookup with no parameters and no output schema, the description adequately covers what the tool provides (source, date, licence, citation), why to use it (attribute a figure), and is complete enough for an agent to select and invoke it correctly.
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 parameter semantics are vacuous. The baseline of 4 applies, and the description properly names the dataset without inventing unnecessary parameter guidance.
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 names the specific resource (Binstockly dataset) and the specific information returned: source, computation date, licence, and citation. It also states the intended use ('to attribute a figure correctly'), making it clearly distinct from sibling tools like dataset_columns or dataset_search.
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?
It gives clear context for when to use the tool: when you need to attribute a figure correctly. It does not explicitly name exclusions or alternatives, but none are natural for a provenance lookup, and the instruction to read it for attribution is sufficient guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.
Each tool has a distinct role: schema, provenance, exact lookup, substring search, row comparison, summary stats, and top/bottom ranking. The only minor overlap is between dataset_row and dataset_compare for single-value exact matches, but the descriptions clarify their intended use cases.
All tools follow the same dataset_ prefix with concise, lowercase, underscore-separated names. The naming pattern is highly predictable and makes the tool surface easy to scan.
Seven tools is well-scoped for a read-only dataset exploration server. Each tool covers a meaningful querying or metadata need without redundancy or bloat.
The tool set covers schema inspection, provenance, exact matches, substring search, comparisons, numeric statistics, and top/bottom rankings. A general paginated 'list all rows' capability is missing, but agents can work around it using search or compare tools.