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Glama

Get Gem

get_gem
Read-onlyIdempotent

Get full metadata for a published Ruby gem by name. Returns latest version, authors, license, descriptions, download counts, and project/source URLs. Use for "what is gem X?", "tell me about Ruby gem Y", or before calling get_versions/get_dependencies.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameYesGem name (e.g., "rails", "devise", "rspec")

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
hintNoError message when gem not found
infoNoShort description of the gem
nameYesGem name
foundYesWhether the gem was found on rubygems.org
authorsNoComma-separated list of gem authors
gem_uriNoURI to gem on rubygems.org
homepageNoHomepage URL
licensesNoGem licenses
changelogNoChangelog URL
bug_trackerNoBug tracker URL
project_uriNoURI to gem project page
source_codeNoSource code repository URL
documentationNoDocumentation URL
latest_versionNoLatest published version number
downloads_totalNoTotal lifetime downloads
version_created_atNoWhen the latest version was created
downloads_latest_versionNoDownloads for latest version

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. First observed

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already indicate read-only, idempotent, non-destructive behavior. Description adds context about returning metadata details (download counts, URLs) and implies requirement that the gem is published. No contradiction.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two concise sentences: first defines purpose and outputs, second gives usage guidance. No redundant information, efficient and front-loaded.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple lookup tool with an output schema, the description adequately covers purpose, usage, and key outputs. Minor omission of error handling (e.g., gem not found) but acceptable given the tool's simplicity and annotation completeness.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema has 100% coverage with a clear description and examples for the single 'name' parameter. The description does not add extra parameter details beyond what the schema provides, so baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Clear verb 'Get' and resource 'full metadata for a published Ruby gem by name'. Explicitly lists outputs (latest version, authors, license, etc.) and distinguishes from sibling tools like get_versions and get_dependencies.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Directly states when to use: 'what is gem X?', 'tell me about Ruby gem Y', and before calling related tools. Provides explicit alternatives as follow-ups, guiding the agent effectively.

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

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