Skip to main content
Glama
pablontiv

PDF Reader MCP Server

by pablontiv

validate_pdf

Check PDF file integrity and readability to ensure documents are not corrupted and can be properly processed.

Instructions

Validate PDF file integrity and readability

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
file_pathYesPath to the PDF file to validate

Implementation Reference

  • The primary handler function that implements the core logic of the 'validate_pdf' tool. It parses input arguments using Zod schema and calls PDFProcessor to perform the PDF validation.
    export async function handleValidatePDF(args: unknown): Promise<ValidationResult> {
      try {
        const params = ValidatePDFParamsSchema.parse(args);
        const processor = new PDFProcessor();
        
        return await processor.validatePDF(params.file_path);
      } catch (error) {
        const mcpError = handleError(error, typeof args === 'object' && args !== null && 'file_path' in args ? String(args.file_path) : undefined);
        throw new Error(JSON.stringify(mcpError));
      }
    }
  • The Tool object definition registering the 'validate_pdf' tool with MCP, including name, description, and inline input schema.
    export const validatePDFTool: Tool = {
      name: 'validate_pdf',
      description: 'Validate PDF file integrity and readability',
      inputSchema: {
        type: 'object',
        properties: {
          file_path: {
            type: 'string',
            description: 'Path to the PDF file to validate'
          }
        },
        required: ['file_path']
      }
    };
  • Zod schema for validating the input parameters of the 'validate_pdf' tool, used in the handler for runtime parsing.
    export const ValidatePDFParamsSchema = z.object({
      file_path: filePathValidation
    });
  • src/index.ts:39-46 (registration)
    Registration of the 'validate_pdf' tool (via validatePDFTool) in the MCP server's listTools handler, making it discoverable.
    this.server.setRequestHandler(ListToolsRequestSchema, async () => ({
      tools: [
        extractTextTool,
        extractMetadataTool,
        extractPagesTool,
        validatePDFTool,
      ],
    }));
  • src/index.ts:83-91 (registration)
    Wiring of the 'validate_pdf' tool handler (handleValidatePDF) in the MCP server's callTool request handler for execution.
    case 'validate_pdf':
      return {
        content: [
          {
            type: 'text',
            text: JSON.stringify(await handleValidatePDF(args), null, 2),
          },
        ],
      };
Behavior2/5

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 states the tool validates 'integrity and readability,' which implies a read-only, non-destructive operation, but doesn't specify what validation entails (e.g., checks for corruption, encryption, or formatting issues), potential error conditions, or output format. This leaves significant 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 unnecessary words. It's front-loaded with the core action ('validate') and resource ('PDF file'), making it easy to parse quickly. Every part of the sentence earns its place by conveying essential information.

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 moderate complexity (validation operation with one parameter) and lack of annotations or output schema, the description is minimally adequate but incomplete. It covers the basic purpose but misses details on behavioral traits, usage context, and expected results, which are important for an agent to invoke it correctly without structured guidance.

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?

The input schema has 100% description coverage, with the single parameter 'file_path' clearly documented. The description doesn't add any parameter-specific details beyond what the schema provides, such as file format requirements or path examples. Since schema coverage is high, the baseline score of 3 is appropriate, as the description doesn't compensate but also doesn't detract.

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 tool's purpose with a specific verb ('validate') and resource ('PDF file integrity and readability'), making it immediately understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly distinguish this validation tool from its sibling tools (extract_pdf_metadata, extract_pdf_pages, extract_pdf_text), which all perform extraction rather than validation.

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. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., file existence), context for validation (e.g., before extraction operations), or comparisons with sibling tools, leaving the agent to infer usage scenarios.

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

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/pablontiv/pdf-reader-mcp'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server