Skip to main content
Glama

gitlab_safe_preview_commit

Preview GitLab commits to validate changes before applying them. Shows affected files and potential errors without making actual modifications.

Instructions

Preview commit without creating Returns: What would change, validation results Use when: Validating before actual commit Shows: Affected files, potential errors

Safety features:

  • No actual changes made

  • Validates file paths

  • Checks permissions

Related tools:

  • gitlab_create_commit: Actual commit

  • gitlab_list_repository_tree: Check files exist

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
project_idNoProject identifier (auto-detected if not provided) Type: integer OR string Format: numeric ID or 'namespace/project' Optional: Yes - auto-detects from current git repository Examples: - 12345 (numeric ID) - 'gitlab-org/gitlab' (namespace/project path) - 'my-group/my-subgroup/my-project' (nested groups) Note: If in a git repo with GitLab remote, this can be omitted
branchYesTarget branch for commits Type: string Required: Yes Format: Existing branch name Examples: - 'main' (commit to main) - 'feature/add-login' (feature branch) - 'hotfix/security-patch' (hotfix branch) Note: Branch must exist before committing
commit_messageYesCommit message Type: string Required: Yes Format: Conventional commits recommended Structure: - First line: Summary (50-72 chars) - Blank line - Body: Detailed description - Footer: References, breaking changes Examples: 'feat: Add user authentication Implement JWT-based authentication with refresh tokens. Store tokens securely in httpOnly cookies. Closes #123'
actionsYesFile operations for commit Type: array of objects Required: Yes Max items: 100 per commit Structure: { "action": "create" | "update" | "delete" | "move", "file_path": "string (required)", "content": "string (required for create/update)", "encoding": "text" | "base64" (optional, default: text)", "previous_path": "string (required for move)" } Examples: [ { "action": "create", "file_path": "src/config.json", "content": "{"debug": true}" }, { "action": "update", "file_path": "README.md", "content": "# Updated README\n\nNew content here" }, { "action": "delete", "file_path": "old-file.txt" }, { "action": "move", "file_path": "new-location/file.txt", "previous_path": "old-location/file.txt" } ] Use cases: - create: Add new files - update: Modify existing files - delete: Remove files - move: Rename or relocate files
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 of behavioral disclosure. It effectively describes key traits: the tool is read-only ('No actual changes made'), validates inputs ('Validates file paths', 'Checks permissions'), and previews outcomes ('Shows: Affected files, potential errors'). However, it lacks details on error handling or response format, which would be beneficial for a tool with no output schema.

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 well-structured and front-loaded, starting with the core purpose and return values. Each section ('Safety features', 'Related tools') adds value without redundancy. The bullet points enhance readability, and there is no wasted text—every sentence serves a clear purpose.

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 the tool's complexity (4 parameters, no annotations, no output schema), the description does a good job of covering the tool's purpose, safety, and usage context. It explains what the tool returns and when to use it, which compensates for the lack of output schema. However, it could provide more detail on error scenarios or the structure of validation results to be fully complete.

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 input schema already documents all parameters thoroughly. The description does not add any parameter-specific information beyond what the schema provides, such as explaining how parameters interact or their impact on the preview. This meets the baseline expectation when schema coverage is high.

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 purpose with specific verbs ('Preview commit without creating') and distinguishes it from its sibling 'gitlab_create_commit'. It explicitly mentions what the tool does not do ('No actual changes made'), making its role distinct and well-defined.

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 provides explicit guidance on when to use this tool ('Use when: Validating before actual commit') and names a clear alternative ('gitlab_create_commit: Actual commit'). It also references another related tool for checking file existence, offering comprehensive context for tool selection.

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

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/Vijay-Duke/mcp-gitlab'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server