Stackexchange

Search Questions

search_questions

Read-onlyIdempotent

Search for questions on StackOverflow or any StackExchange site. Returns title, body, score, answer count, tags, and link.

Example tool call

This call uses example arguments supplied in the tool’s input schema.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "query": "python async await"
    },
    "name": "search_questions"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`site`	No	StackExchange site slug (default: stackoverflow). Examples: serverfault, superuser, askubuntu, math, physics
`limit`	No	Number of results to return (1-20, default 5)
`query`	Yes	Search query string
`_apiKey`	No	Optional — a StackExchange API key (free, 10k/day) for a dedicated quota. The gateway supplies a platform key; pass your own only to override.

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description
`site`	Yes	The StackExchange site slug used for the search
`count`	Yes	Number of questions returned
`has_more`	Yes	Whether there are more results available
`questions`	Yes	Array of search result questions
`quota_remaining`	Yes	Remaining API quota for this user

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

Changed1 schema field changedJun 18, 2026

addedInput schema / properties / _apiKey

Added value: +{
+  "description": "Optional — a StackExchange API key (free, 10k/day) for a dedicated quota. The gateway supplies a platform key; pass your own only to override.",
+  "type": "string"
+}

Changed2 schema fields changedMay 24, 2026

addedInput schema / examples

Added value: +[
+  {
+    "query": "python async await"
+  },
+  {
+    "limit": 10,
+    "query": "how to install nodejs",
+    "site": "askubuntu"
+  }
+]

changedOutput schema / (root)

Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
+  "properties": {
+    "count": {
+      "description": "Number of questions returned",
+      "type": "number"
+    },
+    "has_more": {
+      "description": "Whether there are more results available",
+      "type": "boolean"
+    },
+    "questions": {
+      "description": "Array of search result questions",
+      "items": {
+        "properties": {
+          "answer_count": {
+            "description": "Number of answers to the question",
+            "type": "number"
+          },
+          "body": {
+            "description": "Question body HTML content",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "created": {
+            "description": "ISO 8601 creation timestamp",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "is_answered": {
+            "description": "Whether the question has an accepted answer",
+            "type": "boolean"
+          },
+          "last_activity": {
+            "description": "ISO 8601 last activity timestamp",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "link": {
+            "description": "URL to the question on StackExchange",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "question_id": {
+            "description": "Unique question identifier",
+            "type": "number"
+          },
+          "score": {
+            "description": "Question score (votes)",
+            "type": "number"
+          },
+          "tags": {
+            "description": "Question tags",
+            "items": {
+              "type": "string"
+            },
+            "type": "array"
+          },
+          "title": {
+            "description": "Question title",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "view_count": {
+            "description": "Number of times the question has been viewed",
+            "type": "number"
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "question_id",
+          "title",
+          "body",
+          "score",
+          "answer_count",
+          "is_answered",
+          "tags",
+          "link",
+          "view_count",
+          "created",
+          "last_activity"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      },
+      "type": "array"
+    },
+    "quota_remaining": {
+      "description": "Remaining API quota for this user",
+      "type": [
+        "number",
+        "null"
+      ]
+    },
+    "site": {
+      "description": "The StackExchange site slug used for the search",
+      "type": "string"
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [
+    "site",
+    "count",
+    "has_more",
+    "quota_remaining",
+    "questions"
+  ],
+  "type": "object"
+}

Changed2 schema fields changedMay 13, 2026

removedInput schema / examples

Removed value: -[
-  {
-    "query": "python async await"
-  },
-  {
-    "limit": 10,
-    "query": "how to install nodejs",
-    "site": "askubuntu"
-  }
-]

changedOutput schema / (root)

Previous value: -{
-  "properties": {
-    "count": {
-      "description": "Number of questions returned",
-      "type": "number"
-    },
-    "has_more": {
-      "description": "Whether there are more results available",
-      "type": "boolean"
-    },
-    "questions": {
-      "description": "Array of search result questions",
-      "items": {
-        "properties": {
-          "answer_count": {
-            "description": "Number of answers to the question",
-            "type": "number"
-          },
-          "body": {
-            "description": "Question body HTML content",
-            "type": [
-              "string",
-              "null"
-            ]
-          },
-          "created": {
-            "description": "ISO 8601 creation timestamp",
-            "type": "string"
-          },
-          "is_answered": {
-            "description": "Whether the question has an accepted answer",
-            "type": "boolean"
-          },
-          "last_activity": {
-            "description": "ISO 8601 last activity timestamp",
-            "type": "string"
-          },
-          "link": {
-            "description": "URL to the question on StackExchange",
-            "type": "string"
-          },
-          "question_id": {
-            "description": "Unique question identifier",
-            "type": "number"
-          },
-          "score": {
-            "description": "Question score (votes)",
-            "type": "number"
-          },
-          "tags": {
-            "description": "Question tags",
-            "items": {
-              "type": "string"
-            },
-            "type": "array"
-          },
-          "title": {
-            "description": "Question title",
-            "type": "string"
-          },
-          "view_count": {
-            "description": "Number of times the question has been viewed",
-            "type": "number"
-          }
-        },
-        "required": [
-          "question_id",
-          "title",
-          "body",
-          "score",
-          "answer_count",
-          "is_answered",
-          "tags",
-          "link",
-          "view_count",
-          "created",
-          "last_activity"
-        ],
-        "type": "object"
-      },
-      "type": "array"
-    },
-    "quota_remaining": {
-      "description": "Remaining API quota for this user",
-      "type": [
-        "number",
-        "null"
-      ]
-    },
-    "site": {
-      "description": "The StackExchange site slug used for the search",
-      "type": "string"
-    }
-  },
-  "required": [
-    "site",
-    "count",
-    "has_more",
-    "quota_remaining",
-    "questions"
-  ],
-  "type": "object"
-}New value: +null

Changed1 schema field changedMay 8, 2026

changedOutput schema / (root)

Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
+  "properties": {
+    "count": {
+      "description": "Number of questions returned",
+      "type": "number"
+    },
+    "has_more": {
+      "description": "Whether there are more results available",
+      "type": "boolean"
+    },
+    "questions": {
+      "description": "Array of search result questions",
+      "items": {
+        "properties": {
+          "answer_count": {
+            "description": "Number of answers to the question",
+            "type": "number"
+          },
+          "body": {
+            "description": "Question body HTML content",
+            "type": [
+              "string",
+              "null"
+            ]
+          },
+          "created": {
+            "description": "ISO 8601 creation timestamp",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "is_answered": {
+            "description": "Whether the question has an accepted answer",
+            "type": "boolean"
+          },
+          "last_activity": {
+            "description": "ISO 8601 last activity timestamp",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "link": {
+            "description": "URL to the question on StackExchange",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "question_id": {
+            "description": "Unique question identifier",
+            "type": "number"
+          },
+          "score": {
+            "description": "Question score (votes)",
+            "type": "number"
+          },
+          "tags": {
+            "description": "Question tags",
+            "items": {
+              "type": "string"
+            },
+            "type": "array"
+          },
+          "title": {
+            "description": "Question title",
+            "type": "string"
+          },
+          "view_count": {
+            "description": "Number of times the question has been viewed",
+            "type": "number"
+          }
+        },
+        "required": [
+          "question_id",
+          "title",
+          "body",
+          "score",
+          "answer_count",
+          "is_answered",
+          "tags",
+          "link",
+          "view_count",
+          "created",
+          "last_activity"
+        ],
+        "type": "object"
+      },
+      "type": "array"
+    },
+    "quota_remaining": {
+      "description": "Remaining API quota for this user",
+      "type": [
+        "number",
+        "null"
+      ]
+    },
+    "site": {
+      "description": "The StackExchange site slug used for the search",
+      "type": "string"
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [
+    "site",
+    "count",
+    "has_more",
+    "quota_remaining",
+    "questions"
+  ],
+  "type": "object"
+}

Changed1 schema field changedMay 6, 2026

addedInput schema / examples

Added value: +[
+  {
+    "query": "python async await"
+  },
+  {
+    "limit": 10,
+    "query": "how to install nodejs",
+    "site": "askubuntu"
+  }
+]

First observedApr 14, 2026

TDQS

A4.1/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds that the tool returns specific fields and supports any StackExchange site, but it does not disclose rate limits, authentication nuances, or pagination behavior. It adds some context without contradicting the annotations.

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?

The description is a single sentence that is front-loaded with the action ('Search for questions') and immediately provides scope and return fields. Every word contributes value with no redundancy or vague filler.

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

Completeness5/5

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

The tool has an output schema, so return values are already structured. The description covers purpose, scope, and key output fields. Combined with rich annotations and complete parameter descriptions, it is fully sufficient for an agent to select and invoke this tool correctly.

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 description coverage is 100%, so each parameter is already documented. The description does not add additional parameter-specific semantics beyond stating the return fields, which is implicitly tied to the query parameter but not explicitly. Baseline 3 is appropriate because the schema carries the burden.

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?

The description uses the specific verb 'Search', identifies the resource as 'questions', and scopes to 'StackOverflow or any StackExchange site'. It also lists the return fields (title, body, score, answer count, tags, link), which clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_answers or list_questions_by_tag.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description clearly indicates when to use the tool (searching for questions across StackExchange sites), but it does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives. Sibling tools exist but are not referenced in the description, so it lacks exclusionary guidance.

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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Search Questions

Example tool call

Input Schema

Output Schema

Schema Changelog

TDQS

Glama MCP Gateway

Resources