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Read a drop's content

dropthis_get_content
Read-only

Read the exact content a deployed drop serves: fetch the file manifest or one file's text (paged if large) or binary summary by drop ID, optionally from a historical deployment — the read step before editing.

Instructions

Read back the content an EXISTING drop is serving — the content read half of the edit loop: in a read-modify-write / read-before-patch cycle, read with this tool, modify, then ship the new version with dropthis_update_content. Requires drop_id (the drop_… id, id-only; for a public URL or slug call dropthis_resolve first to get the id). By default returns the CURRENT deployment's file manifest (entry plus each file's path, MIME type, and size in bytes); pass deployment_id (from dropthis_list_deployments) to read a historical version — to actually roll a drop back to a prior version, use dropthis_restore_deployment (this tool only reads) — or path (one of the manifest's files[].path values) to fetch one file: text content is returned directly — in the result text and, when it fits, mirrored into structuredContent.content (a file past ~80,000 characters comes back one window at a time, truncated with truncated: true and the next start_char offset — page through the whole file with start_char; never edit a partial window); binary files as a byte-count summary. Use when the user wants to read, view, inspect, diff, or edit what a drop currently serves. NOT for fetching arbitrary web pages (publish with source_url does that), and it returns content only — for a drop's settings/metadata use its read sibling dropthis_get (the two read halves: dropthis_get_content = served content, dropthis_get = settings/metadata).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathNoFetch this one file's stored content instead of the manifest — one of the manifest's files[].path values, e.g. index.html.
drop_idYesThe `drop_…` id of the drop to read (id-only — a URL or slug is rejected; call dropthis_resolve to turn a public URL/slug into its id first).
start_charNoWith `path`: read the text file starting at this character offset (default 0). A file larger than the ~80,000-character window comes back one window at a time — read from 0, then re-call with the `next_start_char` the previous window reported, until it stops. Owner read-back, so this works for historical deployments and password-protected drops that the public URL can't serve.
deployment_idNoRead this historical deployment (a `dep_…` id from dropthis_list_deployments) instead of the current one.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nextNo
pathNo
entryNo
filesNoManifest: each file's path, contentType, sizeBytes.
binaryNo
dropIdNo
statusNo
contentNoThe file's text body, inlined when reading a single text file that fits the cap.
revisionNo
sizeBytesNo
startCharNoCharacter offset this window started at (present when reading past the start).
truncatedNo
contentTypeNo
deploymentIdNo
nextStartCharNoOffset to pass as `start_char` on the next dropthis_get_content call to read the following window; absent at end of file.
returnedCharsNo
Behavior5/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, and the description doubles down by saying 'this tool only reads' and 'never edit a partial window.' It further discloses default manifest output, historical deployment reads, 80,000-character windows with truncated flags and next_start_char, and binary byte-count summaries—rich behavior not visible in annotations.

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 text is long but front-loaded and tightly packed; each clause adds operational detail (default manifest, historical reads, windowing, exclusions). It is dense but free of filler, and the structure using dashes and semicolons keeps related ideas together.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Given the tool's complexity and 4 parameters, the description covers prerequisites, default vs. historical vs. file-specific behavior, output format, pagination, binary handling, workflow integration, and exclusions. It fully prepares an agent to select and invoke the tool correctly in context.

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 descriptions already cover all four parameters 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds meaningful workflow semantics: drop_id is id-only requiring prior resolution, deployment_id comes from dropthis_list_deployments, path must match manifest entries, and start_char is for paging with a warning not to edit partial windows.

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 opens with 'Read back the content an EXISTING drop is serving' and explicitly casts it as the read half of a read-modify-write loop, naming dropthis_update_content as the write counterpart. It also contrasts with sibling dropthis_get (settings/metadata) and dropthis_resolve, making the tool's unique role unmistakable.

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?

Provides explicit usage guidance: 'Use when the user wants to read, view, inspect, diff, or edit what a drop currently serves.' It names exclusions—'NOT for fetching arbitrary web pages' (publish with source_url) and directs metadata needs to dropthis_get—plus a prerequisite (call dropthis_resolve for URL/slug).

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

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