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gitlab_server

Check GitLab connectivity, server version, and authenticated user identity. Use at session start to confirm token works or diagnose 401/403 errors. Returns status, versions, user info, and response time.

Instructions

Example: {"action":"health_check","params":{...}} For the params schema of any action, read the MCP resource gitlab://schema/meta/gitlab_server/.

MCP server self-diagnostics: GitLab connectivity probe, server/GitLab version, and authenticated user identity. Read-only; no required params. Valid actions: health_check, status

When to use: at session start to confirm the GitLab token works, when diagnosing 401/403 errors from other tools, or to record server/GitLab versions for support tickets. NOT for: resolving a git remote URL to a project (use gitlab_discover_project), GitLab instance admin (use gitlab_admin), per-project membership/permissions (use gitlab_project / gitlab_user), CI runner health (use gitlab_runner).

Returns: {status, mcp_server_version, gitlab_url, gitlab_version, gitlab_revision, authenticated (bool), username, user_id, response_time_ms, error}. Authentication and connectivity failures are surfaced inside this diagnostics object (status / error fields), not as a tool-level JSON-RPC error. Errors: tool-level errors are rare — inspect the returned status / error fields. Network errors include the GitLab URL verbatim.

  • status: (no params) — returns the diagnostics object above.

  • health_check: alias for status. (no params)

See also: gitlab_discover_project (resolve git remote URL → project_id), gitlab_admin (instance admin), gitlab_user (current user details and impersonation tokens).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
actionYesAction to perform. Pick exactly one of the values in `enum`. Each action expects its own `params` object — see the tool description for the per-action parameter list.
paramsNoAction-specific parameters as a JSON object. Required and optional fields differ per action; consult this tool's description for the chosen action. Send only the fields documented for that action — unknown keys are rejected with a validation error (only reserved meta keys like `confirm` are stripped before validation). For the JSON Schema of a specific action's `params`, read the MCP resource `gitlab://schema/meta/{tool}/{action}` (replace placeholders with the tool name and the chosen action).

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
next_stepsNoOptional. Suggested follow-up actions or tool calls for the LLM, contextual to the result.
paginationNoPresent on list actions. Use `has_more` and `next_page` to paginate through results.
Behavior5/5

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

Describes read-only behavior, error handling (errors surfaced in diagnostics object, not JSON-RPC error), network errors including URL verbatim. Annotations indicate destructiveHint false and openWorldHint true, consistent with description.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness3/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Description is lengthy and includes a JSON example that repeats schema structure. While well-organized with sections, it contains redundancy with the schema and could be more succinct.

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 output schema exists and description explains return structure, error handling, and provides usage guidelines. Missing only minor details like pagination or rate limiting, but overall complete for a diagnostics tool.

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 coverage is 100%, but description adds value by explaining action aliases (status and health_check), linking to MCP resource for per-action param schema, and clarifying that no params are required for actions. This exceeds baseline 3.

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 'MCP server self-diagnostics: GitLab connectivity probe, server/GitLab version, and authenticated user identity.' It specifies valid actions (health_check, status) and distinguishes from sibling tools by listing what it is NOT for.

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?

Explicitly says 'When to use: at session start to confirm the GitLab token works, when diagnosing 401/403 errors...' and 'NOT for: resolving a git remote URL to a project (use gitlab_discover_project)...' This provides clear context and exclusions.

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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