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j-shelfwood

Obsidian Local REST API MCP Server

by j-shelfwood

get_metadata_keys

Retrieve all frontmatter metadata keys from your Obsidian notes to understand available data fields and structure your note organization.

Instructions

Get all available frontmatter keys from notes

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Implementation Reference

  • The core handler function for the 'get_metadata_keys' tool in the ObsidianApiClient class. It makes an HTTP request to the '/metadata/keys' endpoint to retrieve available frontmatter keys.
    async getMetadataKeys() {
      return this.request("/metadata/keys");
    }
  • Tool schema definition including name, description, and empty input schema (no parameters required). This is part of the tools list returned by ListToolsRequest.
      name: "get_metadata_keys",
      description: "Get all available frontmatter keys from notes",
      inputSchema: {
        type: "object",
        properties: {},
      },
    },
  • src/index.ts:522-524 (registration)
    Registration of the tool handler in the central switch statement within the CallToolRequestSchema handler. Delegates execution to the client.getMetadataKeys() method.
    case "get_metadata_keys":
      result = await this.client.getMetadataKeys();
      break;
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It states the tool retrieves data ('Get'), implying a read-only operation, but doesn't disclose behavioral traits such as whether it requires specific permissions, how it handles large datasets, or what the output format looks like (e.g., list, JSON). This leaves gaps in understanding the tool's behavior.

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 a single, efficient sentence that directly states the tool's purpose without any wasted words. It's front-loaded and appropriately sized for a simple tool with no parameters.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given the tool's simplicity (0 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is minimally adequate. It covers the basic purpose but lacks details on usage context, behavioral traits, and output format, which could help an agent use it more effectively in a vault with multiple metadata-related tools.

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?

The input schema has 0 parameters with 100% coverage, so no parameter documentation is needed. The description doesn't add parameter details, which is appropriate here, but it could slightly enhance clarity by mentioning any implicit assumptions (e.g., scope of notes). Baseline is 4 for zero parameters.

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 clearly states the action ('Get') and the resource ('all available frontmatter keys from notes'), making the purpose understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_metadata_values' or 'get_note', which might retrieve different metadata aspects, so it doesn't reach the highest score.

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?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. With siblings like 'get_metadata_values' and 'get_note' that might handle related metadata operations, there's no indication of context, prerequisites, or exclusions for usage.

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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