refresh_index
Manually update the project index after file additions, removals, or movements. Use for immediate rebuilds, troubleshooting incomplete results, or when file watchers are disabled or unresponsive.
Instructions
Manually refresh the project index when files have been added/removed/moved.
Use when:
- File watcher is disabled or unavailable
- After large-scale operations (git checkout, merge, pull) that change many files
- When you want immediate index rebuild without waiting for file watcher debounce
- When find_files results seem incomplete or outdated
- For troubleshooting suspected index synchronization issues
Important notes for LLMs:
- Always available as backup when file watcher is not working
- Performs full project re-indexing for complete accuracy
- Use when you suspect the index is stale after file system changes
- **Call this after programmatic file modifications if file watcher seems unresponsive**
- Complements the automatic file watcher system
Returns:
Success message with total file count
Input Schema
TableJSON Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No arguments | |||
Implementation Reference
- src/code_index_mcp/server.py:247-271 (handler)The MCP tool handler for 'refresh_index', registered via @mcp.tool() decorator. Executes the tool logic by calling IndexManagementService(ctx).rebuild_index() to refresh the project index.@mcp.tool() @handle_mcp_tool_errors(return_type='str') def refresh_index(ctx: Context) -> str: """ Manually refresh the project index when files have been added/removed/moved. Use when: - File watcher is disabled or unavailable - After large-scale operations (git checkout, merge, pull) that change many files - When you want immediate index rebuild without waiting for file watcher debounce - When find_files results seem incomplete or outdated - For troubleshooting suspected index synchronization issues Important notes for LLMs: - Always available as backup when file watcher is not working - Performs full project re-indexing for complete accuracy - Use when you suspect the index is stale after file system changes - **Call this after programmatic file modifications if file watcher seems unresponsive** - Complements the automatic file watcher system Returns: Success message with total file count """ return IndexManagementService(ctx).rebuild_index()
- Core helper method in IndexManagementService.rebuild_index() that implements the shallow index rebuild logic called directly by the refresh_index tool handler. Uses shallow_manager to build the index and returns file count.def rebuild_index(self) -> str: """ Rebuild the project index (DEFAULT: shallow file list). For deep/symbol rebuilds, use build_deep_index() tool instead. Returns: Success message with rebuild information Raises: ValueError: If project not set up or rebuild fails """ # Business validation self._validate_rebuild_request() # Shallow rebuild only (fast path) if not self._shallow_manager.set_project_path(self.base_path): raise RuntimeError("Failed to set project path (shallow) in index manager") if not self._shallow_manager.build_index(): raise RuntimeError("Failed to rebuild shallow index") try: count = len(self._shallow_manager.get_file_list()) except Exception: count = 0 return f"Shallow index re-built with {count} files."