dataset_topThe highest (or lowest) rows of the Retainvia dataset by a numeric column — "which is the most/least X".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | ||
| column | Yes | ||
| ascending | No | true for the lowest first; default highest first |
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?
Describes the core behavior—returning top/bottom rows sorted by a numeric column—and references both ascending and descending directions. However, it does not disclose default limit behavior, tie handling, or null handling, and there are no annotations to fill the 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?
Extremely concise; one sentence plus an illustrative phrase, with no filler or redundant content.
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?
No output schema or return-format description is provided, so an agent cannot know whether the result is a list of rows, row IDs, or field subsets. Limit defaults and edge-case behavior are also absent, making the tool underspecified for robust use.
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?
Only 'ascending' has an inline schema description; 'column' and 'limit' are not described in schema. The description adds that the column must be numeric and clarifies highest/lowest order, but leaves 'limit' semantics and default unspecified.
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?
Clearly identifies dataset_top as a ranking/selection tool for the highest or lowest rows by a numeric column, with the 'which is the most/least X' example reinforcing the intended use. It is distinct from sibling row/search/stats tools, though it does not explicitly name them.
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 explicit guidance on when to choose this tool over siblings like dataset_search or dataset_stats. The 'which is the most/least X' phrase implies ranking use, but alternatives are never mentioned.
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.
Most tools have distinct purposes, but dataset_row, dataset_search, and dataset_compare all retrieve rows via value matching, creating possible misselection. The descriptions help clarify exact vs. contains vs. list comparison, but boundaries are not crisp.
All tools share a consistent dataset_ prefix and snake_case formatting, making the group recognizable. However, the suffix mixes nouns (columns, row, stats, provenance) with verbs (compare, search, top), so the pattern is not fully uniform.
Seven tools is a well-scoped set for exploring and querying a single dataset. Each tool covers a distinct need without bloat or redundancy at the set level.
The toolset covers schema inspection, provenance, stats, exact lookup, substring search, comparisons, and top/bottom ordering, which forms a solid read-only exploration surface. Minor gaps exist, such as multi-condition filtering or grouped aggregations, but agents can likely work around them.