Anki MCP Server
Enables interaction with Anki flashcard collections, providing tools to create, retrieve, update, and search for cards, manage decks and tags, and handle media files programmatically.
Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@Anki MCP Servercreate a new flashcard for 'altruism' in my English deck"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Anki MCP Server
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides seamless integration with Anki, enabling AI assistants to interact with your flashcard collection. Create, read, update, and manage Anki cards programmatically through a standardized interface.
Features
🎴 Card Management: Create, retrieve, and update flashcards with full field customization
🔍 Smart Search: Query cards by ID, keywords, tags, decks, or any Anki search syntax
📊 Review Integration: Access due cards, new cards, and answer cards programmatically
🎵 Media Support: Automatic handling of audio and images (local files, URLs, or existing media)
🔄 Batch Operations: Create multiple cards efficiently in a single operation
🎯 Generic Tools: Flexible tools that work with any deck, note type, and field configuration
Related MCP server: Anki MCP Server
Prerequisites
Anki Desktop App - Must be running during MCP server usage
AnkiConnect Add-on - Install from Anki: Tools → Add-ons → Get Add-ons → Code:
2055492159
⚠️ Important: Anki must be running with AnkiConnect enabled for this MCP server to function.
Resources
anki://search/deckcurrent- All cards from current deckanki://search/isdue- Cards due for reviewanki://search/isnew- New unseen cardsCustom queries:
anki://search/tag:vocabulary,anki://search/deck:Spanish, etc.
Tools
update_card- Update cards/notes (answer, update fields, update tags)add_card- Create a new flashcard with custom deck, model, and fieldsbatch_add_card- Create multiple flashcards at onceget_due_cards- Get list of cards due for reviewget_new_cards- Get list of new unseen cardsget_card- Retrieve detailed card information by ID or query
Development
Install dependencies:
npm installBuild the server:
npm run buildFor development with auto-rebuild:
npm run watchMedia Files
How Media Files Are Handled
When you add cards with images or audio files, the server automatically handles different types of media sources:
Local File Paths: If you provide an absolute path to a file on your computer (e.g.,
/Users/mycomputer/Documents/images/prune.jpg), the server will:Read the file from your disk
Convert it to base64
Upload it to Anki's media collection using the
storeMediaFileAPIReference it in the card by filename
URLs: If you provide a URL (e.g.,
https://example.com/image.jpg), Anki-Connect will download the file automatically when the card is created.Existing Media: If you provide just a filename (e.g.,
prune.jpg), it assumes the file already exists in Anki's media folder.
Troubleshooting Image Issues
If images don't show up properly in Anki:
Check the file path: Make sure the path to your image file is correct and the file exists
File permissions: Ensure the file is readable by the application
Supported formats: Anki supports common image formats (JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG, WebP)
File size: Very large files might cause issues
Special characters: Avoid special characters in filenames when possible
The server will now automatically handle local file paths, so you don't need to manually copy images to Anki's media folder anymore.
Installation & Configuration
Installation
Clone or download this repository
Install dependencies:
npm installBuild the server:
npm run build
Configuration with Claude Desktop
Add the server configuration to your Claude Desktop config file:
MacOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"anki-mcp-server": {
"command": "/absolute/path/to/anki-mcp-server/build/index.js"
}
}
}💡 Tip: Replace
/absolute/path/to/anki-mcp-serverwith the actual full path to where you cloned this repository.
Configuration with Other MCP Clients
This server follows the standard MCP protocol and can be used with any MCP-compatible client. Configure it as a stdio-based server pointing to build/index.js.
Verification
After configuration:
Restart Claude Desktop (or your MCP client)
Ensure Anki is running with AnkiConnect installed
The server should appear in your available MCP servers
Test with a simple query like "Show me 5 due cards from Anki"
Debugging
Since MCP servers communicate over stdio, debugging can be challenging. We recommend using the MCP Inspector, which is available as a package script:
npm run inspectorThe Inspector will provide a URL to access debugging tools in your browser where you can:
Test tool calls interactively
View request/response logs
Debug connection issues
Validate tool schemas
Troubleshooting
Server not appearing in Claude Desktop:
Verify the path in config is absolute (not relative)
Check that
build/index.jsexists (runnpm run build)Restart Claude Desktop after config changes
"Connection refused" or timeout errors:
Ensure Anki is running
Verify AnkiConnect is installed (Tools → Add-ons)
Check AnkiConnect settings allow localhost connections (default)
Cards not updating/creating:
Close the Anki browser if you have it open (known AnkiConnect limitation)
Verify the deck and note type names match exactly (case-sensitive)
Check field names match your note type's field configuration
Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Whether you're fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation, your help is appreciated.
How to Contribute
Fork the repository on GitHub
Clone your fork locally:
git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/anki-mcp.git cd anki-mcpCreate a new branch for your feature or bugfix:
git checkout -b feature/your-feature-nameMake your changes and test thoroughly
Build and test your changes:
npm install npm run build npm run inspector # Test with MCP InspectorCommit your changes with clear, descriptive messages:
git commit -m "Add: description of your changes"Push to your fork:
git push origin feature/your-feature-nameOpen a Pull Request on GitHub with a clear description of your changes
Development Guidelines
Write clean, readable TypeScript code
Follow the existing code style and structure
Test your changes with the MCP Inspector
Update documentation if you're adding new features
Keep commits focused and atomic
Reporting Issues
Found a bug or have a feature request? Please open an issue on GitHub with:
A clear, descriptive title
Steps to reproduce (for bugs)
Expected vs actual behavior
Your environment (OS, Anki version, Node version)
Questions?
Feel free to open an issue for questions or join the discussion in existing issues.
License
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
Acknowledgments
Built on the Model Context Protocol by Anthropic
Uses AnkiConnect for Anki integration
Powered by yanki-connect npm package
Available Tools
6 toolsadd_cardA
Create a new flashcard in Anki. Requires: deckName (exact deck name), modelName (note type like 'Basic' or 'Cloze'), and fields object matching the note type's field names. Returns card ID on success. FORMATTING: Use HTML only (NO markdown) - for line breaks, for bold, for italic, / for lists. Media files (audio/picture) support URLs or local absolute paths.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| deckName | Yes | REQUIRED. Exact name of target Anki deck (case-sensitive). Examples: 'Spanish', 'Vocabulary', 'My Deck::Subdeck'. | |
| modelName | Yes | REQUIRED. Exact note type name (case-sensitive). Common types: 'Basic', 'Basic (and reversed card)', 'Basic (type in the answer)', 'Cloze'. Must match an existing note type in Anki. | |
| fields | Yes | REQUIRED. Field names (keys) and content (values). Keys must exactly match the note type's field names (case-sensitive). Example for 'Basic': {"Front": "Question?", "Back": "Answer"}. Use HTML formatting in values. | |
| tags | No | Optional. Comma-separated tags (e.g., 'vocabulary,lesson1,important'). Tags will be created if they don't exist. | |
| audio | No | Optional. Audio file attachments. Each requires: filename, path (URL or absolute local path like /path/to/audio.mp3), and fields array (field names to attach to). | |
| picture | No | Optional. Image file attachments. Each requires: filename, path (URL or absolute local path like /path/to/image.jpg), and fields array (field names to attach to). |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden and does well by disclosing key behavioral traits: it specifies the return value ('Returns card ID on success'), reveals formatting constraints ('Use HTML only'), explains media handling ('Media files support URLs or local absolute paths'), and mentions case-sensitivity requirements. It doesn't cover error conditions 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.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is efficiently structured with zero wasted sentences. It front-loads the core purpose, then provides essential formatting and media guidelines. Each sentence adds distinct value: creation action, requirements, return value, formatting rules, and media support.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a creation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description provides substantial context: purpose, requirements, return value, formatting constraints, and media handling. It covers the essential behavioral aspects though doesn't address potential errors, authentication needs, or the exact structure of the returned card ID.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 100% schema description coverage, the schema already documents all 6 parameters thoroughly. The description adds minimal parameter semantics beyond the schema - mainly emphasizing the 'fields' object must match note type field names and repeating HTML formatting guidance. This meets the baseline for high schema coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Create a new flashcard in Anki') and identifies the resource ('flashcard'), distinguishing it from siblings like 'batch_add_card' (bulk operation) or 'update_card' (modification). It provides a complete functional overview in the opening sentence.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear context about when to use this tool by specifying required parameters and formatting requirements, but doesn't explicitly mention when to use alternatives like 'batch_add_card' for multiple cards or 'update_card' for modifications. The guidance is practical but lacks sibling differentiation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
batch_add_cardA
Create multiple flashcards in one operation. Each card has same structure as add_card tool. Returns JSON with 'successful' (count), 'failed' (count), and 'errors' array (details of failures if any). More efficient than calling add_card multiple times. Use HTML formatting (not markdown). Processes cards sequentially; partial success possible (some cards created, some failed).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cards | Yes | REQUIRED. Array of card objects to create. Each card must have: deckName, modelName, fields. Optional per card: tags, audio, picture. All cards are processed; failures don't stop remaining cards. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden and does well by disclosing key behavioral traits: returns JSON with success/failure counts and error details, processes cards sequentially, allows partial success, and specifies HTML formatting requirements. It doesn't mention rate limits, authentication needs, or whether this is a read-only or destructive operation, but covers the essential execution behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is efficiently structured with zero waste. Each sentence adds distinct value: purpose, parameter relationship, return format, efficiency benefit, formatting requirement, and processing behavior. The information is front-loaded and appropriately sized for the tool's complexity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a batch creation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description provides good contextual completeness. It explains the return format, processing behavior, efficiency rationale, and formatting requirements. The main gap is lack of explicit safety/disruption information (whether this is a read-only or destructive operation), but otherwise covers what's needed for effective use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already fully documents the single 'cards' parameter. The description adds minimal value beyond the schema by mentioning 'same structure as add_card tool' and 'partial success possible', but doesn't provide additional parameter semantics. Baseline 3 is appropriate when schema does the heavy lifting.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('Create multiple flashcards') and resource ('flashcards'), specifies it's a batch operation, and distinguishes it from the sibling 'add_card' tool by mentioning efficiency gains and different behavior. The purpose is specific and well-differentiated.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly states when to use ('More efficient than calling add_card multiple times') and provides clear context about HTML formatting requirements and sequential processing with partial success. The description gives practical guidance on when this tool is preferable to its alternative.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_cardA
Retrieve detailed card/note information. Provide EITHER cardId OR query (not both). Returns array of card objects with: cardId, deckName, modelName, question, answer, fields (object with all field values), due, interval, ease, reps, lapses, type, queue, noteId. Use this to find card/note IDs for update operations or to inspect card details.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cardId | No | Single card ID to retrieve. Mutually exclusive with 'query'. Returns array with one card object. Example: 1234567890 | |
| query | No | Anki search query (mutually exclusive with 'cardId'). Returns array of all matching cards. Syntax examples: 'deck:Spanish' (deck filter), 'tag:vocabulary' (tag filter), 'note:Basic' (note type filter), 'added:1' (added today), 'added:7' (last 7 days), 'is:new' (new cards), 'is:due' (due cards), 'is:suspended' (suspended), 'deck:Spanish tag:verbs added:7' (combine filters with space=AND). Can match multiple cards. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that it returns an array of card objects, lists the specific fields included, and mentions the mutual exclusivity of parameters. However, it lacks details on error handling, pagination, or rate limits, which are relevant for a retrieval tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by parameter rules and return details, then usage context. Every sentence adds value: the first states what it does, the second specifies parameter logic, the third details the return structure, and the fourth explains when to use it.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations and no output schema, the description does well by listing the return fields and usage context. However, it could improve by mentioning potential limitations (e.g., query performance for large result sets) or authentication needs, though it's largely complete for a read operation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already fully documents the two parameters (cardId and query). The description adds minimal value by restating the mutual exclusivity and general purpose, but does not provide additional syntax or format details beyond what the schema includes.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'retrieve' and resource 'detailed card/note information', specifying it returns an array of card objects with enumerated fields. It distinguishes from siblings like get_due_cards and get_new_cards by not limiting to specific card states, and from update_card by being read-only.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It explicitly states when to use this tool ('to find card/note IDs for update operations or to inspect card details') and provides clear usage rules: 'Provide EITHER cardId OR query (not both)'. This distinguishes it from siblings by indicating it's for retrieval before updates or detailed inspection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_due_cardsA
Retrieve cards that are due for review. Returns JSON object with 'count' (number of cards) and 'cards' array. Each card includes: cardId (number), question (HTML cleaned string), answer (HTML cleaned string), due (Unix timestamp). Ordered by due date (earliest first).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| num | Yes | REQUIRED. Number of due cards to retrieve (positive integer). Example: 10 returns the 10 earliest due cards. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden and does well: it discloses the return format (JSON with count and cards array), data structure details (card fields and types), ordering behavior (by due date earliest first), and that it retrieves a specified number of cards. It doesn't mention permissions, rate limits, or error handling, but covers core behavioral aspects adequately.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by essential details about return format and ordering. Every sentence adds value: first states what it does, second describes output structure, third specifies card fields, fourth explains ordering. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a read-only tool with 1 parameter and no output schema, the description provides good completeness: it explains what the tool does, what it returns, and how results are ordered. It could mention if there are authentication requirements or pagination, but covers the essential context well given the tool's simplicity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents the 'num' parameter fully. The description adds no additional parameter information beyond what's in the schema, but doesn't need to compensate. Baseline 3 is appropriate as the schema handles parameter documentation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose with a specific verb ('Retrieve') and resource ('cards that are due for review'), and distinguishes it from siblings like 'get_card' (single card) and 'get_new_cards' (different card type). It explicitly defines what 'due' means in this context.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for reviewing due cards, which differentiates it from siblings like 'add_card' or 'update_card', but doesn't explicitly state when to use this versus alternatives like 'get_new_cards' or provide exclusion criteria. The context is clear but lacks explicit alternatives guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_new_cardsA
Retrieve new unseen cards that haven't been studied yet. Returns JSON object with 'count' (number of cards) and 'cards' array. Each card includes: cardId (number), question (HTML cleaned string), answer (HTML cleaned string), due (Unix timestamp). Ordered by card position in new queue.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| num | Yes | REQUIRED. Number of new cards to retrieve (positive integer). Example: 5 returns the first 5 new cards in the queue. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It effectively describes the return format (JSON with 'count' and 'cards' array), details of each card (cardId, question, answer, due), and ordering ('by card position in new queue'). This covers key behavioral aspects like output structure and sorting, though it doesn't mention potential errors or side effects.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core purpose in the first sentence, followed by essential details about the return format and ordering. Every sentence adds value without redundancy, making it efficiently structured and appropriately sized for the tool's complexity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations and no output schema, the description compensates well by detailing the return format and card structure. It covers the tool's purpose, usage context, and behavioral traits adequately. However, it doesn't mention potential limitations like pagination or error cases, leaving minor gaps for a read operation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema description coverage is 100%, with the parameter 'num' fully documented in the schema as a required positive integer. The description doesn't add any parameter-specific information beyond what the schema provides, so it meets the baseline of 3 where the schema does the heavy lifting.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Retrieve new unseen cards that haven't been studied yet'), identifies the resource (cards), and distinguishes it from siblings like 'get_due_cards' by specifying 'new unseen cards' rather than due cards. The verb 'retrieve' is precise and the scope is well-defined.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear context for when to use this tool ('new unseen cards that haven't been studied yet'), which implicitly differentiates it from siblings like 'get_due_cards' for due cards or 'get_card' for a specific card. However, it doesn't explicitly state when NOT to use it or name alternatives, keeping it at a 4 rather than a 5.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
update_cardA
Update a card/note in Anki. Supports 4 operations: (1) 'answer': mark a card as reviewed with ease 1-4, (2) 'update_note': update note fields, tags, and media, (3) 'update_fields': update only fields and media, (4) 'update_tags': update only tags. Returns success message with operation details.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| operation | Yes | Required. Operation type: 'answer' (requires cardId + ease), 'update_note' (requires noteId + fields, optional tags/audio/picture), 'update_fields' (requires noteId + fields, optional audio/picture), 'update_tags' (requires noteId + tags array) | |
| cardId | No | Card ID - REQUIRED for 'answer' operation only. Use get_card to find card IDs. | |
| noteId | No | Note ID - REQUIRED for 'update_note', 'update_fields', and 'update_tags' operations. Use get_card to find note IDs. | |
| ease | No | Ease score for 'answer' operation. REQUIRED when operation='answer'. Values: 1 (Again/Hard), 2 (Hard), 3 (Good), 4 (Easy). | |
| fields | No | Field names and values to update. REQUIRED for 'update_note' and 'update_fields'. Format: {"FieldName": "value"}. Example: {"Front": "Question text", "Back": "Answer text"}. Use HTML formatting (not markdown). | |
| tags | No | Array of tags. REQUIRED for 'update_tags', optional for 'update_note'. REPLACES all existing tags. Example: ["vocabulary", "important", "lesson-1"]. | |
| audio | No | Optional audio files for 'update_note' and 'update_fields'. Each item needs filename, path (URL or local file path), and target field names array. | |
| picture | No | Optional image files for 'update_note' and 'update_fields'. Each item needs filename, path (URL or local file path), and target field names array. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It discloses that the tool returns a success message with operation details, which is helpful behavioral context. However, it doesn't mention important behavioral traits like whether updates are destructive (e.g., tags REPLACE all existing tags is only in schema), authentication requirements, error handling, or rate limits for a mutation tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is perfectly front-loaded with the core purpose and 4 operations in the first sentence, followed by the return value. Every sentence earns its place by providing essential information without redundancy. The structure is logical and efficiently communicates the tool's capabilities.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a complex mutation tool with 8 parameters, nested objects, and no annotations or output schema, the description is adequate but has gaps. It explains the operations and return value, but doesn't cover important contextual details like error conditions, side effects, or how this tool relates to sibling tools. The schema handles parameter documentation well, but the description could provide more behavioral context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all parameters thoroughly. The description adds value by summarizing the 4 operations and their purposes, which helps the agent understand the semantic grouping of parameters. However, it doesn't provide additional syntax or format details beyond what's in the schema descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('Update') and resource ('a card/note in Anki'), and distinguishes this tool from siblings by specifying it supports 4 distinct operations. It goes beyond a simple update to explain the specific operations available, which differentiates it from tools like 'add_card' or 'get_card'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear context for when to use each operation (e.g., 'answer' for marking as reviewed, 'update_note' for comprehensive updates), but doesn't explicitly state when NOT to use this tool versus alternatives like 'add_card' for creating new cards. It implies usage through operation descriptions but lacks explicit exclusions or comparisons to sibling tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
6 tool updates
v1.0.0- First observed
add_card - First observed
batch_add_card - First observed
get_card - First observed
get_due_cards - First observed
get_new_cards - First observed
update_card
TDQS
Scored across 6 tools
Each tool has a clearly distinct purpose with no overlap: add_card creates a single card, batch_add_card creates multiple, get_card retrieves specific card details, get_due_cards fetches cards due for review, get_new_cards fetches unseen cards, and update_card modifies existing cards. The descriptions clearly differentiate between creation, retrieval (by different criteria), and update operations.
All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern: add_card, batch_add_card, get_card, get_due_cards, get_new_cards, update_card. The naming is uniform and predictable, using snake_case throughout with clear action prefixes (add, get, update) and descriptive nouns.
With 6 tools, this server is well-scoped for managing Anki flashcards. It covers core operations (create, retrieve, update) efficiently without being too sparse or bloated. The tools are focused and each serves a necessary function in the flashcard lifecycle.
The toolset provides strong coverage for flashcard management: creation (single and batch), retrieval (by ID, due status, or new status), and updates (including answering reviews). A minor gap is the lack of a delete_card tool, which could be useful for full CRUD operations, but agents can likely work around this by other means if needed.
Maintenance
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