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germankingerman-byte

Telegram MCP Server

Get Recent Telegram Updates

telegram_get_updates
Read-only

Fetch recent incoming updates for your Telegram bot to discover chat IDs and read messages.

Instructions

Fetch recent incoming updates the bot has received (messages sent to it, chats it was added to, etc.). This is the primary way to discover a chat_id: ask the user to send any message to the bot (or add it to a group), then call this tool to read the resulting update and find the chat.id to use with telegram_send_message.

Note: calling this tool consumes the updates (Telegram's long-polling semantics), so previously fetched updates won't reappear on the next call once acknowledged.

Args:

  • limit (number): Max updates to return, 1-100 (default: 20)

  • offset (number, optional): Only return updates at/after this update_id

Returns: JSON list of updates with chat_id, chat type/title, sender, and message text for each.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoMaximum number of recent updates to return (1-100, default 20)
offsetNoOnly return updates with update_id greater than or equal to this value. Omit to get the most recent updates.
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already set readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false. The description adds valuable behavioral context: calling consumes updates (non-idempotent behavior and long-polling semantics). This goes beyond the 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 description is well-structured with a clear summary and labeled Args/Returns sections. Every sentence adds value, and there is no redundancy or fluff.

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 low complexity and complete schema coverage, the description covers all necessary aspects: purpose, usage, behavioral traits, and return format. No missing information.

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% with both parameters fully described (limit range and offset semantics). The description repeats this information and adds no new parameter-level details beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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 it fetches recent incoming updates and identifies it as the primary way to discover a chat_id. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like telegram_send_message by emphasizing its role in obtaining updates.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description provides explicit when-to-use guidance: 'ask the user to send any message to the bot (or add it to a group), then call this tool to read the resulting update and find the chat.id'. It also notes that calling consumes updates. However, it lacks explicit exclusions or alternatives for scenarios where updates are not needed.

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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