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Band-Aid

Pendo Ontology MCP Server

by Band-Aid

pendo-ontology-mcp

A semantic ontology layer for Pendo, as an MCP server. Pairs with the Pendo MCP server: Pendo MCP is the data plane (live entities, usage, retention, funnels); this server is the meaning plane — the business concepts, definitions, entity relationships, causes, and playbooks your workspace has agreed on.

Why

LLM agents querying product analytics fail in a characteristic way: they don't know what your objects mean. Feature and segment names encode tribal knowledge, business terms like "activation" have workspace-specific definitions that live in people's heads, and the relationships between objects and business goals are written down nowhere — so agents ask endless follow-ups and produce confidently wrong answers.

This server is the place where that meaning gets written down — and it's designed so the LLM itself does most of the writing. The flywheel:

you ask questions → the model learns what you care about
  → it proposes/records concepts here (you review)
    → every future question is grounded in your definitions
      → answers get sharper → you ask more

The ontology store is a single portable JSON file: diffable, version-controllable, and an organizational asset that survives model swaps and agent rewrites.

Related MCP server: EnrichMCP

What it is (and isn't)

  • A typed JSON graph, not RDF/OWL. Its consumers are an LLM context window and a human reviewer.

  • Query-language agnostic. Concepts carry a prose measurementHint ("weekly cohort retention over the measured features"), not query templates. The agent turns hints into concrete Pendo MCP calls (entityUsageTimeSeries, cohortRetentionCurve, …).

  • No LLM calls inside the server. The client model is the intelligence; this server contributes deterministic guarantees (stable ids, phrase-match floors, coverage gaps) and durable storage.

Data model

STRUCTURAL (synced/pushed, rebuildable)        SEMANTIC (the asset)
─────────────────────────────────────          ─────────────────────────────
EntityNode                                     Concept
  id: "feature:<pendoId>"  ← stable              name, definition
  kind: feature|page|segment|                    measurementHint (prose)
        productArea|trackEvent|object            measures: [entity ids]
  pendoId  ← valid directly in Pendo tools       causes[]  (+ questionTemplate)
  name, appId?, url?, groupId?                   actions[] (+ questionTemplate)
                                                 tags[], source

Stable ids mean concept links survive full re-syncs. Entities deleted upstream leave dangling references that are ignored, never destroyed — a later sync may bring them back.

Install

git clone <this repo> && cd pendo-ontology-mcp
npm install && npm run build

Claude Code

claude mcp add pendo-ontology -- node /path/to/pendo-ontology-mcp/dist/index.js

Claude Desktop (claude_desktop_config.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pendo-ontology": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/pendo-ontology-mcp/dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "ONTOLOGY_STORE_PATH": "/path/to/team/ontology.json"
      }
    }
  }
}

Environment

Variable

Default

Purpose

ONTOLOGY_STORE_PATH

~/.pendo-ontology/ontology.json

Where the ontology lives. Point at a repo file to share with your team.

PENDO_INTEGRATION_KEY

Enables the optional sync_from_pendo direct REST sync. Not needed when pairing with Pendo MCP.

PENDO_API_BASE

https://app.pendo.io/api/v1

Override for EU/other regions.

Tools

Tool

Purpose

get_product_map

Overview: entity counts + every concept (definition, measurement hint, measured entities with pendoIds, causes, actions). Call first.

lookup_ontology

Search entities & concepts by name. Product areas expand into member features.

get_entity_catalogue

Full registered catalogue, features grouped by area — for picking measure links.

upsert_concept

Create/update a concept. autoLink: true adds deterministic phrase-matched entities.

delete_concept

Remove a concept (cause links to it are scrubbed).

suggest_links

Deterministic phrase-match candidates for a problem statement — the precision floor under the model's own semantic picks.

list_coverage_gaps

Entities no concept measures yet. Join with Pendo MCP usage data to rank concept candidates.

ingest_pendo_payload

The easy sync path: pass a RAW Pendo MCP tool result (listCountables, listProductAreas, segmentList, …) verbatim — array, wrapper object, or JSON string — and it's normalized and merged. Per-item evidence (elementPathRules → feature, url → page, kind-named wrapper keys) beats the kind hint.

register_entities

Structured push with explicit kinds (merge or replace). Use when you've already reshaped the data.

sync_from_pendo

Optional direct REST sync (needs PENDO_INTEGRATION_KEY).

Resource: ontology://digest — a markdown digest of the whole ontology, ready to be pulled into context.

The pairing workflow (with Pendo MCP)

  1. Seed the structure — ask Claude:

    "List my product areas and features via Pendo, then register them in the ontology."

    Claude calls Pendo MCP (listProductAreas, listCountables, segmentList) and pipes each raw result straight into ingest_pendo_payload — no reshaping, no Pendo API key. (Alternatives: register_entities for pre-shaped data, or PENDO_INTEGRATION_KEY + sync_from_pendo for direct REST sync.)

  2. Define what matters — ask:

    "Define a concept 'Activation': accounts that used ≥3 core features in week 1. Map the entities it measures."

    Claude drafts the concept, picks semantically-related entities from get_entity_catalogue (plus the suggest_links floor), and saves with upsert_concept.

  3. Let usage drive coverage — ask:

    "What high-usage entities aren't covered by any concept?"

    Claude joins list_coverage_gaps with Pendo MCP usage (entityUsage) and proposes new concepts from the gaps.

  4. Ask grounded questions — from now on:

    "How is Activation trending?"

    Claude reads the concept (definition + measurementHint + measure pendoIds) and goes straight to the right Pendo MCP calls — no follow-up questions, no guessed IDs, your definition every time.

Design notes

  • Phrase-matching is the floor, not the ceiling. Single-token name matching measured 119 false positives for "agent" in a real workspace; two-word phrases stay precise but can't see semantics. The model does the semantic mapping; suggest_links/autoLink guarantee the obvious matches are never missed.

  • Ontologies don't work on day 1. Meaning is distilled from use — questions asked, usage observed, definitions clarified. Start with structure + one or two concepts; let the flywheel run.

  • Errors are results. Lookups return notes, not exceptions; a miss tells the model exactly which fallback to take.

License

MIT

Available Tools

11 tools
delete_conceptA

Delete a concept by id. Links to it from other concepts' causes are scrubbed.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
idYes

TDQS

A3.7/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It explicitly discloses that links to the concept from other concepts' causes are scrubbed, which is a significant side effect. However, it does not mention irreversibility, required permissions, or return value, leaving some gaps in transparency.

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 two sentences, directly front-loaded with the main action, and every sentence contributes meaningful information. It is appropriately sized and avoids unnecessary detail.

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

Completeness3/5

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

The tool has one parameter, no annotations, and no output schema. The description covers the core action and the link-scrubbing side effect, but it lacks information about permanence, return value, or error conditions, which are relevant for a delete operation. For its simplicity, it is reasonably complete but not fully specified.

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?

The schema has a single 'id' parameter with no description, and the description only says 'by id,' which aligns with the parameter name but adds little extra meaning. It does not specify the id format or clarify that it is the concept's unique identifier beyond what the property name implies.

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 clearly states the tool deletes a concept by id, with a specific verb and resource. It also distinguishes itself from sibling tools like get_concept and upsert_concept by focusing on deletion, and the added detail about scrubbing links clarifies the operation.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as upsert_concept, or when not to use it. There are no prerequisites, exclusions, or references to other tools, leaving the usage context entirely implicit.

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

get_conceptA

Full detail for ONE concept by id or (case-insensitive) name: definition, measurement hint, measured entities with pendoIds, all causes and playbook actions. Use after get_product_map identified the relevant concept.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
idNoConcept id (preferred).
nameNoExact or partial concept name (case-insensitive); first match wins.

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the transparency burden. It discloses case-insensitive name matching and the scope of returned data, and implies read-only behavior with 'get'. It does not mention behavior for unknown IDs or not-found cases, but for a single-concept getter this is acceptable.

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 sentences: the first front-loads the action, target, and return fields; the second gives usage context. No wasted words or repetition of schema details.

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?

For a simple read tool with two optional parameters and no output schema, the description adequately covers what the tool returns, how to identify the target concept, and when to use it. The absence of an error-handling note is minor given the tool's straightforward nature.

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?

The input schema already provides full descriptions for both parameters, including case-insensitivity and first-match-wins behavior. The description only paraphrases the id-or-name distinction without adding new meaning, so it meets the baseline for high schema coverage.

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 clearly states the tool retrieves full detail for exactly one concept by id or name, listing the included fields (definition, measurement hint, measured entities with pendoIds, causes, playbook actions). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_product_map which focuses on map-level identification.

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?

Explicitly instructs to use this tool after get_product_map has identified the relevant concept, providing clear sequencing and implicit differentiation from alternatives like lookup_ontology or list_coverage_gaps.

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

get_entity_catalogueA

The registered-entity catalogue (features grouped by product area), filterable and paginated. Use this to pick entity ids when linking a concept to what it measures ("map on meaning, not just literal words"). Prefer search/kind filters over paging through everything.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
areaNoRestrict features to one product area (name substring).
kindNoRestrict to one kind.
limitNoMax entities to return.
offsetNoEntities to skip (pagination).
searchNoCase-insensitive substring on entity name.

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the catalogue is filterable and paginated, and that it returns features grouped by product area. It also warns against paging through everything. However, it does not explicitly state that the operation is read-only or describe the response shape, so a small gap remains.

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 two sentences long, front-loads the core definition, and provides actionable guidance without fluff. Every word earns its place, including the parenthetical emphasis on mapping by meaning.

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 read-only listing tool with 5 optional parameters and no output schema, the description provides sufficient context: purpose, filters, pagination, and usage strategy. It does not describe the exact return fields, but that is not strictly necessary for tool selection and invocation.

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 baseline is 3. The description adds strategic advice about preferring search/kind filters but does not explain individual parameters beyond what the schema already provides. It adds some context about entities being features grouped by product area, but not enough to raise the score.

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 clearly states the tool returns a catalogue of registered entities grouped by product area, with filtering and pagination. It also specifies a concrete use case (picking entity IDs when linking concepts to measured meanings), which distinguishes it from sibling tools like lookup_ontology or get_concept.

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?

Explicit guidance is provided: 'Use this to pick entity ids when linking a concept to what it measures' and 'Prefer search/kind filters over paging through everything.' This tells the agent when to use the tool and the appropriate strategy, fulfilling the dimension well.

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

get_product_mapA

Overview of the workspace ontology: entity counts and the concept index. Call this FIRST when answering product-analytics questions — it is the workspace's agreed vocabulary. Returns concept BRIEFS by default (name, truncated definition, tags, link counts) — fetch full detail for the one you need via get_concept. detail:"full" expands in place (paginated; use sparingly).

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoMax concepts to return.
detailNosummary (default): one brief per concept. full: complete concepts (definition, measures with pendoIds, causes, actions) — paginated.summary
offsetNoConcepts to skip (pagination).

TDQS

A4.9/5.0
Behavior5/5

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

No annotations provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the default return format ('concept BRIEFS by default (name, truncated definition, tags, link counts)'), the effect of detail:'full' ('expands in place, paginated'), and adds a performance caution ('use sparingly'). It also notes the output is paginated, a behavioral trait not in the schema. This is transparent for a read tool.

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?

Three concise sentences, each serving a distinct purpose: purpose, usage guidance, and output/parameter detail. No filler or redundant repetition of schema information. Front-loaded with the core purpose.

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?

No output schema exists, so the description appropriately explains the return payload (briefs, full detail) and pagination. It also provides the essential usage context (workspace vocabulary, first call) and the alternative for full detail. Given the tool's moderate complexity (3 simple params), the description is complete.

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

Parameters4/5

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

Input schema covers all three parameters with descriptions (100% coverage), establishing a baseline of 3. The description adds value by clarifying the default behavior ('Returns concept BRIEFS by default') and by giving additional guidance on the detail parameter ('use sparingly', 'expands in place') – context not present in the schema description alone. This raises the score to 4.

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?

States it provides an 'Overview of the workspace ontology: entity counts and the concept index' – a clear resource and scope. It explicitly positions itself as the entry point ('Call this FIRST') and differentiates from get_concept by directing full-detail lookups there. This distinguishes it from sibling tools by its role as the top-level index.

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?

Explicitly says 'Call this FIRST when answering product-analytics questions' – clear when to use. Names get_concept as the alternative for full detail on a single concept, and cautions 'detail:"full" expands in place (paginated; use sparingly)' – telling when to avoid using the full mode. This is ideal usage guidance.

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

ingest_pendo_payloadA

EASIEST way to store Pendo objects: pass a RAW result from a Pendo MCP tool (listCountables, listProductAreas, segmentList, searchEntities, list_all_applications…) exactly as returned — array, wrapper object, or JSON string — and it is normalized and merged into the ontology. Provide kind as the default for items that carry no kind field (product areas and segments are bare {id,name}); per-item evidence (elementPathRules → feature, url → page, explicit type fields, kind-named wrapper keys like "features") overrides it.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
kindNoDefault kind for items without their own kind evidence. REQUIRED in practice for listProductAreas / segmentList output.
appIdNoappId to stamp on items that lack one.
payloadNoThe raw Pendo MCP tool result: an array of items, an object wrapping arrays, or a JSON string of either.

TDQS

A4.3/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden. It discloses normalization and merging behavior, explains how default kind is applied and overridden by per-item evidence. Missing details on merge semantics (e.g., overwrite vs. append) but the core behavior is well described.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is dense but focused. It front-loads the main idea and uses examples to clarify. The phrase 'EASIEST' is slightly promotional but the content is informative without being bloated.

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 tool with no output schema and no annotations, the description covers input formats, parameter behavior, and merge logic well. It does not describe return values or error handling, but the primary ingest purpose is adequately addressed.

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

Parameters4/5

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

Schema coverage is 100%, but the description adds meaningful context: explains that `kind` is a default for items lacking kind evidence, `payload` can be array/wrapper/JSON string, and `appId` is stamped. This goes beyond the schema's static descriptions.

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 clearly states the tool's function: ingest raw Pendo MCP tool results and normalize/merge them into the ontology. It enumerates specific source tools and input formats, and the distinction from siblings like 'sync_from_pendo' is implicit by focusing on raw payload ingestion.

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?

Provides explicit usage context: pass raw Pendo MCP results, and indicates when `kind` is required (for product areas and segments). It does not explicitly contrast with alternative tools like sync_from_pendo, but the examples and instructions give clear practical guidance.

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

list_coverage_gapsA

Entities NOT measured by any concept — candidates for new business definitions. Join with usage data from the Pendo MCP server (e.g. entityUsage) to rank: high-usage unmeasured entities are the strongest concept candidates.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
kindNo
limitNoMax entities to return.
offsetNoEntities to skip (pagination).

TDQS

A3.9/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of explaining behavior. It clearly indicates this is a listing operation (no side effects implied) and adds semantic context about candidates and usage ranking. However, it does not disclose details like return format, whether results are ordered, or any permissions needed. The description is adequate but lacks rich behavioral disclosure.

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 two sentences long, front-loaded with the core definition, and ends with actionable usage guidance. Every word earns its place, with no redundancy or filler. It is a model of concise, structured communication.

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?

Given no output schema and no annotations, the description covers the main contextual needs: purpose, use case, and ranking strategy. It could be more complete by describing the output structure or default behavior, but the combination of the purpose statement and usage guidance provides a solid understanding for agent selection. The clarity of the tool's place in the workflow compensates for minor omissions.

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

Parameters2/5

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

The schema already documents 'limit' and 'offset' with descriptions, but the 'kind' parameter has no description. The tool description adds no parameter-specific meaning and does not mention that you can filter by entity type. While the enum values are self-explanatory, the description misses the opportunity to clarify the role of 'kind' in the context of coverage gaps, leaving the parameter semantics under-specified.

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 clearly states it lists 'Entities NOT measured by any concept' and frames them as 'candidates for new business definitions.' This specific verb-resource pairing distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_concept or lookup_ontology, which handle existing concepts or maps. The purpose is immediately clear and non-tautological.

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 provides explicit guidance on how to use the results: 'Join with usage data from the Pendo MCP server (e.g. entityUsage) to rank' and identifies high-usage unmeasured entities as strongest candidates. This gives a clear use case and workflow, though it does not name alternatives or explicitly say when not to use this tool. Still, the context is strong enough for an agent to decide appropriately.

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

lookup_ontologyA

Search the ontology by name (case-insensitive substring). Entity hits return kind/pendoId/product-area/linked concepts; productArea hits expand into member features; concept hits return the full definition, measurement hint, measured entities with pendoIds, causes, and actions.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
kindNoRestrict matches to one kind.
limitNoMax matches to return.
queryYesFull or partial name of an entity or concept. Example: "Agent Mode"

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses significant behavioral detail: case-insensitive substring matching and distinct return payloads for entity, productArea, and concept hits. It does not cover error handling or side effects, but this appears to be a read-only search.

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?

A single well-structured sentence that front-loads the primary action and efficiently describes conditional return behaviors. Every clause adds necessary information without redundancy.

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?

Given 3 parameters and no output schema, the description provides a solid map of the response space, covering the main return variants and their fields. It omits ordering/pagination details, but the limit parameter's schema covers max results, so overall completeness is adequate.

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

Parameters4/5

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

The input schema already describes all 3 parameters, but the description adds semantic value: it explains the query interpretation (case-insensitive substring) and how the kind of the matched item changes the response structure. This supplements the schema description of the 'query' parameter.

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 clearly states the action ('Search the ontology by name') and specifies matching mode (case-insensitive substring). It distinguishes this tool from siblings like get_concept or list_coverage_gaps by describing different result types (entity, productArea, concept) and what each returns.

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 implies when to use the tool: when searching ontology entries by name and expecting polymorphic results. It doesn't explicitly name alternatives or provide exclusions, but the context makes the primary use case clear.

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

register_entitiesA

Register or update Pendo entities in the structural layer using an explicit, pre-shaped list. For raw Pendo MCP tool results, prefer ingest_pendo_payload — it normalizes them for you. Ids are derived as ":" and stay stable, so concept links survive re-registration.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
modeNomerge (default): upsert by id. replace: the list becomes the entire structural layer.merge
entitiesYes

TDQS

A4.3/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full transparency burden. It adds valuable behavior beyond the schema by explaining the ID derivation rule ("<kind>:<pendoId>") and its stability, which reassures about re-registration. It does not mention the destructive impact of `replace` mode, but that is already covered in the schema's parameter description, so the description still adds meaningful new information.

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 three sentences that are all front-loaded and purposeful: first the main action, then the explicit alternative, then a key behavioral detail. There is no fluff or repetition of schema content.

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

Completeness3/5

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

The tool has moderate complexity (two parameters, one nested array) and no output schema, so the description should provide some sense of return values or broader side effects. It covers purpose, usage guidance, and ID stability, but it does not hint at what the tool returns or the full consequence of `replace` mode (replacing the entire structural layer). Since the schema already covers the mode behavior, this is a moderate gap, not a fatal one.

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 only 50%, so the description should compensate. It partially does by clarifying how `pendoId` and `kind` are used to form stable IDs, adding semantic meaning to those fields. However, it does not elaborate on the `mode` parameter or other entity fields beyond what the schema already states, so compensation is incomplete.

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 clearly states the tool's action ('Register or update') and its resource ('Pendo entities in the structural layer') with a specific method ('using an explicit, pre-shaped list'). It also distinguishes itself from sibling tools, especially `ingest_pendo_payload`, by contrasting raw results with pre-shaped lists.

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?

The description explicitly provides an alternative tool ('prefer ingest_pendo_payload') and the condition for using it ('For raw Pendo MCP tool results'), giving clear when-to-use and when-not-to-use guidance. This is directly useful for agent selection.

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

sync_from_pendoA

OPTIONAL direct sync of features, pages, segments and product areas from the Pendo REST API. Requires the PENDO_INTEGRATION_KEY environment variable on this server; without it, use register_entities with data from the Pendo MCP server instead. Merges by stable id — concepts are never touched.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
appIdNoScope to one app (multi-app subscriptions).
expandAllNoFetch entities across ALL apps in the subscription.

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses a critical safety behavior: 'Merges by stable id — concepts are never touched,' which is essential context. It also mentions the environment variable prerequisite. However, it doesn't detail side effects like whether existing data is overwritten or what happens on failure, though the key safety guarantee is covered.

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 only two sentences with the main action first, followed by a prerequisite and a safety note. Every phrase earns its place, and there is no fluff or repetition.

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 tool with only two optional parameters and no output schema, the description covers the core aspects: the action, prerequisite, alternative, and a safety guarantee. It doesn't mention the return value or error modes, but these are not critical for a simple sync tool, and the overall context is sufficient.

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?

Both parameters (appId and expandAll) have full descriptions in the schema, covering their purpose and scoping behavior. The tool description adds no additional parameter-specific meaning beyond the schema, so it meets the baseline for high schema coverage.

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 clearly states the tool syncs features, pages, segments, and product areas from the Pendo REST API, using the specific verb 'sync' and resource list. It also distinguishes itself from register_entities by naming it as an alternative, making its unique purpose obvious.

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?

It explicitly states when to use the tool (requires PENDO_INTEGRATION_KEY) and when not to ('without it, use register_entities'), providing a clear alternative. The 'OPTIONAL' prefix further clarifies its non-required status.

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

upsert_conceptA

Create or update a business concept: a named definition (e.g. "Activation", "Agent Mode Retention") linked to the entities it measures, with likely causes when its metric moves and playbook actions. Set autoLink=true to also attach deterministic name-matched entities. This is how meaning gets INTO the ontology — prefer enriching it whenever the user defines or clarifies a business term.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
idNoOmit to create; pass to update.
nameYes
tagsNo
causesNo
sourceNo
actionsNo
autoLinkNoAlso link entities whose names phrase-match the concept name/definition.
measuresNoEntity ids from get_entity_catalogue / lookup_ontology (e.g. "feature:abc123").
definitionYesThe precise business definition the workspace agreed on.
measurementHintNoHow to measure it, in prose — which Pendo metric/tool over the measured entities, and what number is the headline.

TDQS

A4.2/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description must disclose behavior itself. It does explain autoLink behavior and frames the tool as an ontology write, but it does not mention update side effects, reversibility, permissions, or return shape. This is moderate transparency for a mutation tool.

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 three sentences, front-loaded with the core action, and includes a helpful example and usage rationale without irrelevant details. Every sentence contributes value.

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?

This is a complex 10-parameter upsert with no output schema or annotations. The description manages the complexity well by outlining the concept structure and autoLink behavior, but it omits details about the response, update semantics beyond the schema, and potential merging behavior. Still, it is reasonably complete for an agent to decide when and how to invoke it.

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

Parameters4/5

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

Schema description coverage is about 50%, and the description adds meaningful context by linking measures, causes, and actions to the concept's overall purpose. It also clarifies that autoLink=true attaches deterministic name-matched entities. However, some parameters like tags, source, and measurementHint remain underspecified.

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 opens with a specific verb phrase — 'Create or update a business concept' — and clearly identifies the resource and its purpose: a named definition linked to measured entities, causes, and playbook actions. This distinguishes it from siblings like get_concept and delete_concept.

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 states a clear usage context: 'This is how meaning gets INTO the ontology — prefer enriching it whenever the user defines or clarifies a business term.' It gives explicit when-to-use guidance, though it does not name specific alternatives or exclusions.

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

Tool Schema Changelog

Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. 11 tool updatesv0.1.0
    • First observeddelete_concept
    • First observedget_concept
    • First observedget_entity_catalogue
    • First observedget_product_map
    • First observedingest_pendo_payload
    • First observedlist_coverage_gaps
    • First observedlookup_ontology
    • First observedregister_entities
    • First observedsuggest_links
    • First observedsync_from_pendo
    • First observedupsert_concept

TDQS

A4.3/5.0

Scored across 11 tools

Disambiguation4/5

Most tools have clearly distinct purposes, but get_concept and lookup_ontology both return full concept details, and the three entity ingestion methods (register_entities, ingest_pendo_payload, sync_from_pendo) could confuse agents despite clear descriptions. Overall, the boundaries are well-defined.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun snake_case pattern (list_, get_, lookup_, upsert_, delete_, suggest_, register_, ingest_, sync_). The naming is predictable and makes the action and resource clear.

Tool Count5/5

With 11 tools, the server is well-scoped for ontology management. Each tool covers a distinct aspect (concepts, entities, links, ingestion, discovery) without redundancy or bloat.

Completeness5/5

The tool set provides comprehensive coverage: concept CRUD (upsert_concept, delete_concept, get_concept), ontology overview/search (get_product_map, lookup_ontology), entity cataloging and registration (get_entity_catalogue, register_entities, ingest_pendo_payload, sync_from_pendo), link suggestions (suggest_links), and gap analysis (list_coverage_gaps). No obvious dead ends.

Maintenance

ActivitySlowing
ResponsivenessNo issues

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