Skip to main content
Glama
Sign In
Xcode MCP Server

Xcode MCP Server

by PolarVista
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
TypeScript
Local

read_file

Retrieve file contents from an active Xcode project to access code, configuration, or documentation for development tasks.

Instructions

Reads the contents of a file within the active Xcode project.

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": {
      "filePath": "<filePath>"
    },
    "name": "read_file"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
filePathYesRelative or absolute path to the file within the active project.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observed

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the basic read operation but lacks critical details: it doesn't mention file size limits, encoding considerations, error handling for non-existent files, or whether it returns raw text or structured data. For a file I/O tool with zero annotation coverage, this is a significant gap.

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, clear sentence that efficiently communicates the core functionality without unnecessary words. It's front-loaded with the essential information and contains no redundant or verbose elements.

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

Completeness2/5

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

Given the complexity of file reading operations and the absence of both annotations and an output schema, the description is insufficient. It doesn't address what format the content is returned in (text, binary, encoding), size limitations, or error scenarios. For a tool that interacts with file systems, more behavioral context is needed.

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 description coverage is 100%, so the parameter 'filePath' is fully documented in the schema. The description adds no additional parameter information beyond what's already in the schema, which is acceptable given the high schema coverage. This meets the baseline expectation.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the action ('Reads') and resource ('contents of a file within the active Xcode project'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'analyze_file' or 'list_project_files', which prevents a perfect score.

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. It doesn't mention when to choose 'read_file' over 'analyze_file' or 'list_project_files', nor does it specify prerequisites like requiring an active project. This leaves the agent with insufficient context for optimal tool selection.

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

Deploy Server

Other Tools