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How It Works

Heap Seance follows a two-stage escalation model. No deep forensics unless the evidence demands it.

 /leak-scan                          /leak-deep
     |                                   |
     v                                   v
  3x class histogram               (all of scan, plus)
  + GC pressure snapshot            JFR recording
     |                              heap dump
     v                              MAT leak suspects
  monotonic growth?                 async-profiler alloc profile
  old-gen pressure?                     |
     |                                  v
     +--- both true? -----> auto-escalate to deep
     |
     +--- otherwise ------> verdict + next steps

Confidence is earned, not assumed. high requires at least two independent strong signals. A single growing class is watch. Growth plus GC pressure is suspicious. Add a MAT dominator or JFR correlation and you get probable_memory_leak.

Related MCP server: javaperf

Quick Start

Requires uv, Python 3.10+, and a JDK 17+ for tooling (the target app can run any Java version).

1. Clone

git clone https://github.com/your-org/heap-seance.git

2. Add .mcp.json to your Java project

In the project you want to investigate, create a .mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "heap-seance": {
      "command": "uv",
      "args": ["run", "--directory", "/path/to/heap-seance", "python", "-m", "heap_seance_mcp.server"],
      "env": {
        "JAVA_HOME": "/path/to/jdk-17",
        "MAT_BIN": "/path/to/ParseHeapDump.sh",
        "ASYNC_PROFILER_BIN": "/path/to/asprof"
      }
    }
  }
}

--directory points to where you cloned Heap Seance. uv run handles the virtual environment and dependencies automatically. ASYNC_PROFILER_BIN is optional — if missing, deep mode continues with JFR + MAT.

3. Copy the Claude Code commands

Copy the .claude/commands/ folder into your Java project so the /leak-scan and /leak-deep slash commands are available:

cp -r /path/to/heap-seance/.claude/commands/ .claude/commands/

4. Run

/leak-scan my-service        # conservative scan
/leak-deep 12345             # full forensics by PID

Heap Seance resolves the target process, collects evidence, and returns a structured verdict.

MCP Tools

Tool

What it does

java_list_processes()

Discover running JVMs via jcmd -l

java_class_histogram(pid)

Snapshot live object counts per class

java_gc_snapshot(pid)

Sample jstat -gcutil over time

java_jfr_start(pid)

Capture a JFR recording

java_jfr_summary(jfr_file)

Summarize JFR event types and counts

java_heap_dump(pid)

Full heap dump (.hprof)

java_mat_suspects(heap_dump)

Run MAT leak suspects analysis

java_async_alloc_profile(pid)

Allocation flame graph via async-profiler

Every tool returns the same unified schema:

{
  "status": "ok | warn | error",
  "evidence": ["..."],
  "metrics": {},
  "confidence": "none | low | medium | high",
  "next_recommended_action": "...",
  "raw_artifact_path": "..."
}

Investigation Workflow

  1. Start your app and let it initialize fully.

  2. /leak-scan <name-or-pid> — takes the first histogram snapshot.

  3. Exercise the suspect behavior — the scan prompts you between each of the 3 histogram samples to perform the action you suspect is leaking (open/close views, send requests, repeat workflows). This is critical — without load between samples, leaks stay invisible.

  4. Read the verdict. Focus on Confidence, Key Evidence, Suspect Types.

  5. /leak-deep <name-or-pid> if the scan flags growth, or if you want full forensics regardless.

  6. Fix and re-scan. Bounded caches, weak refs, listener cleanup — then /leak-scan again to confirm the signal drops.

  7. Keep artifacts. .jfr, .hprof, and MAT reports are saved for team review.

What you get back

/leak-scan returns: Verdict, Confidence, Key Evidence, Suspect Types, Artifacts, Next Steps.

/leak-deep goes further: Verdict, Confidence, Root Holder Hypothesis (who retains the growing objects and via which field/chain), Supporting Evidence, Artifacts, Remediation Hypotheses (concrete fix suggestions), Verification Plan.

Confidence ladder

Confidence

What it means

Signals required

none

No leak evidence

low

Weak growth, no GC pressure

histogram only

medium

Growth + GC is losing

histogram + GC pressure

high

Probable leak, corroborated

histogram + GC + MAT/JFR

Prerequisites

Tooling JDK (required):

  • JDK 17+ for jcmd, jmap, jstat — set via JAVA_HOME in .mcp.json

  • The target application can run any Java version (including Java 8)

Deep forensics (for /leak-deep):

Optional tools:

  • jfr CLI — used for JFR summary if available, falls back to jcmd JFR.view otherwise. JFR is skipped entirely for Java 8 targets (incompatible format).

Check your setup:

./scripts/check_prereqs.sh          # macOS / Linux
scripts\check_prereqs.bat           # Windows

Environment overrides

Set these in your .mcp.json env block (recommended) or as shell variables:

Variable

Required

Description

JAVA_HOME

recommended

JDK 17+ installation path — $JAVA_HOME/bin is searched first for jcmd, jmap, jstat, jfr. Also used to launch MAT with the correct Java version.

MAT_BIN

for deep mode

Path to ParseHeapDump.sh (macOS/Linux) or .bat (Windows)

ASYNC_PROFILER_BIN

optional

Path to async-profiler binary — tie-breaker evidence, deep mode works without it

HEAP_SEANCE_ARTIFACT_DIR

optional

Where .jfr, .hprof, and reports are saved (default: system temp dir)

MCP_TRANSPORT

optional

Transport protocol: stdio (default), sse, or streamable-http

MCP_HOST

optional

Bind address for SSE/HTTP transport (default: 0.0.0.0)

MCP_PORT

optional

Port for SSE/HTTP transport (default: 8000)

CLI flags --sse and --streamable-http can be used instead of MCP_TRANSPORT.

See .mcp.json.example for a full config template.

Compatibility notes

  • Java 8 targets: histogram + GC + MAT work fully. JFR is skipped (v0.9 format incompatible with modern tools).

  • Windows: MAT works via ParseHeapDump.bat. async-profiler is optional — if missing, deep mode continues with JFR + MAT. Locale-specific decimal separators (comma vs dot) in jstat output are handled automatically.

  • MAT + JAVA_HOME: MAT is launched with the JDK from JAVA_HOME, so it works even if the system default Java is too old for MAT.

CLI Usage (without Claude Code)

uv run heap-seance --mode scan --match your-app
uv run heap-seance --mode deep --pid 12345 --output json
# macOS / Linux
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh

# Windows (PowerShell)
powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://astral.sh/uv/install.ps1 | iex"
python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate       # Windows: .\.venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
pip install -e .

heap-seance --mode scan --match your-app

Tests

python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -p "test_*.py"

Example Java scenarios for validation live in examples/java-scenarios/ — a real leak, a bounded cache (no leak), and a burst allocator (no leak).

Contributing

Contributions welcome! See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines on adding tools, signals, and skills.

License

This project is dual-licensed under either of

at your option.

Available Tools

8 tools
java_async_alloc_profileD
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pidYes
duration_sNo
out_fileNo

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

D1/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Conciseness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Purpose1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

java_class_histogramD
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pidYes
live_onlyNo

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

D1/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Conciseness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Purpose1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

java_gc_snapshotD
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pidYes
interval_sNo
samplesNo

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

D1/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Conciseness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Purpose1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

java_heap_dumpD
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pidYes
live_onlyNo
out_fileNo

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

D1/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Conciseness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Purpose1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

java_jfr_startD
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pidYes
profileNoprofile
duration_sNo
out_fileNo

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

D1/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Conciseness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Purpose1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

java_jfr_summaryD
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
jfr_fileYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

D1/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Conciseness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Purpose1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

java_list_processesD
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

D1/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Conciseness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Purpose1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

java_mat_suspectsD
ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
heap_dump_fileYes

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription

No output parameters

TDQS

D1/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Conciseness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Purpose1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

Tool has no description.

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. 8 tool updatesv1.0.0
    • First observedjava_async_alloc_profile
    • First observedjava_class_histogram
    • First observedjava_gc_snapshot
    • First observedjava_heap_dump
    • First observedjava_jfr_start
    • First observedjava_jfr_summary
    • First observedjava_list_processes
    • First observedjava_mat_suspects

TDQS

D1.9/5.0

Scored across 8 tools

Disambiguation4/5

Tools cover distinct diagnostic actions—process listing, heap dump, class histogram, MAT suspects, JFR start/summary, GC snapshot, allocation profile—so an agent can usually pick based on the futored operation. Minor proximity exists between heap_dump and class_histogram, but names plus conceptual roles keep them separate.

Naming Consistency3/5

All names share the java_ prefix and snake_case, which helps. However, the verb placement is inconsistent: list_processes and jfr_start use a verb, while mat_suspects, class_histogram, and gc_snapshot are pure noun phrases without an obvious action word.

Tool Count5/5

Eight tools is well within the ideal range for a focused Java diagnostics server. Each tool covers a distinct diagnostic technique (JFR, heap analysis, allocation profiling, GC snapshots), and none feel redundant or extraneous.

Completeness4/5

The server covers the core heap and JFR workflows: process discovery, heap dumps, class histograms, MAT suspect analysis, and JFR capture/summarization. The main gap is the lack of a JFR stop or thread dump tool, but agents can still achieve the primary diagnosis goals.

Maintenance

ActivityInactive
ResponsivenessNo issues

Resources

Unclaimed servers have limited discoverability.

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