Get a GitHub repository by owner and name
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No arguments | |||
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| result | No | Response from the tool |
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?
The annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, which convey the safety profile. The description adds no additional behavioral context such as authentication needs, rate limits, error behavior, or what happens when the repository does not exist.
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, front-loaded sentence with no filler. Every word contributes to the core purpose.
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?
The output schema exists and annotations cover safety, but the input schema is completely empty even though the description says the request needs 'owner and name.' An agent cannot reliably construct the call because the actual parameter structure is absent and the description does not explain how to supply those values.
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?
With zero parameters in the schema, the description adds meaning by naming 'owner and name' as the identifying values. However, it does not specify parameter names, types, or formatting, so it only partially compensates for the empty 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 states a specific action ('Get') and resource ('GitHub repository') with the identifying qualifier 'by owner and name.' It is clear enough to distinguish this from searchRepos and listRepoIssues, though it does not explicitly name sibling alternatives.
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?
There is no guidance about when to use this tool versus alternatives such as github-api.searchRepos or github-api.listRepoIssues. No conditions, exclusions, or context for choosing this tool are provided.
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.
The tools are clearly namespaced by service (e.g., petstore-api, github-api, jsonplaceholder), which reduces cross-service confusion. Within each service, operations are generally distinct (e.g., getPetById vs updatePet). However, some overlap exists like updatePet and updatePetWithForm, and there are multiple 'get' tools across services that could be mixed up in a large set, but descriptions help.
Naming conventions are inconsistent across the set. Some tools use camelCase (github-api.getRepo), others use underscores (acme-mailer.send_email), and some are single simple verbs (echo-server.echo, memory.store). While each service follows its own style, the server as a whole lacks a unified pattern, making the naming chaotic.
With 38 tools, this server is heavily overloaded for a typical MCP scope. The tools span ten different services, indicating a broad aggregation rather than a focused purpose. This exceeds the recommended 3-15 tool range and even the 25+ threshold, making it feel like a collection of unrelated utilities.
The domain is unclear, but looking at each sub-service, most are incomplete. For example, github-api only offers read operations (no create/update/delete), jsonplaceholder has posts CRUD but only get for users, and open-weather lacks historical data. Memory and echo-server are trivial. The surface does not fully cover any single domain, leaving significant gaps for agent workflows.