Skip to main content
Glama

Programmability Describe Function

programmability_describe_function
Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieves details of a Snowflake user-defined function, including its signature, return type, language, and body, to help inspect or document existing UDF definitions.

Instructions

Describe UDF function signature, return type, language, and body.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
databaseNoQuote names that aren't all uppercase, exactly as list tools return them.
schema_nameNoQuote names that aren't all uppercase, exactly as list tools return them.
function_signatureYesQuote names that aren't all uppercase, exactly as list tools return them.

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed3 schema fields changedv3.0.0
    • addedInput schema / properties / database / description
      Added value: +"Quote names that aren't all uppercase, exactly as list tools return them."
    • addedInput schema / properties / function_signature / description
      Added value: +"Quote names that aren't all uppercase, exactly as list tools return them."
    • addedInput schema / properties / schema_name / description
      Added value: +"Quote names that aren't all uppercase, exactly as list tools return them."
  2. Addedv2.0.4

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

The annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and non-destructive behavior, so the safety profile is clear. The description adds that it returns signature, return type, language, and body, which is useful context beyond the annotations, but it does not discuss permissions, errors, or rate limits.

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 a single, front-loaded sentence with no filler. It could be slightly more informative, but it is efficiently structured.

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?

An output schema exists, annotations cover safety, and the schema documents all parameters. The description states what information is returned, which is sufficient for an agent to call the tool correctly, though it could clarify sibling distinctions.

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 the schema documents all three parameters. The description adds no further parameter details beyond what the schema provides, which is the baseline expectation when coverage is full.

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 uses a specific verb (Describe) and resource (UDF function) and enumerates what is returned: signature, return type, language, and body. This clearly distinguishes it from list_functions, though it does not explicitly mention the sibling describe_procedure.

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?

There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like programmability_list_functions or programmability_describe_procedure. The implied usage is to retrieve details about a known function, but no prerequisites or exclusions are stated.

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