StackOverflow MCP Server

get_answers

Retrieve answers for a StackOverflow question using its ID. Fetches only the answers to avoid redundant question data. Customize answer count, sorting, and markdown conversion.

Instructions

Get answers for a specific StackOverflow question.

Fetches only answers without re-fetching the question body.
Use this when you already have the question context and just need the responses.

Args:
    question_id: StackOverflow question ID
    max_answers: Maximum number of answers to return (1-50)
    sort: Sort order (votes, creation, activity)
    convert_to_markdown: Convert HTML content to markdown

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "question_id": "<question_id>"
    },
    "name": "get_answers"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Default
`sort`	No	votes
`max_answers`	No
`question_id`	Yes
`convert_to_markdown`	No

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv1.3.3Jul 13, 2026

TDQS

A4.2/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It discloses that only answers are fetched (not question body), which is a key behavioral trait. However, it does not mention potential rate limits, authentication requirements, or pagination behavior.

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?

Description is concise with clear sections: a title line, a purpose sentence, usage guidance, and a structured Args list. No redundant information. Could be slightly more compact but overall efficient.

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?

Given no output schema and no annotations, the description provides adequate information for invocation: purpose, when to use, and parameter details. However, it lacks description of return format or example usage, which would be helpful.

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 has 0% description coverage, so description must compensate. It adds meaning for each parameter: specifies question_id type, max_answers range (1-50), sort order options (votes, creation, activity), and convert_to_markdown purpose. This significantly enhances schema understanding.

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 'Get answers for a specific StackOverflow question' and distinguishes from sibling tools like 'get_question' by noting it fetches only answers without re-fetching the question body.

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 'Use this when you already have the question context and just need the responses', providing clear when-to-use guidance. Also specifies constraints like max_answers range (1-50) and sort order options.

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

Deploy Server