Datadog MCP Server

search_traces

Query Datadog APM traces and spans by service, status, duration, or raw query to diagnose errors and performance issues.

Instructions

Search Datadog APM traces/spans with structured filters or raw query. Returns span details with service, resource, duration, and status.

Tool call template

This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {},
    "name": "search_traces"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`to`	No	End time: relative or ISO 8601 or 'now'	now
`env`	No	Filter by environment
`from`	No	Start time: relative (15m, 1h, 1d) or ISO 8601	15m
`sort`	No	Sort order (timestamp ascending or descending)	-timestamp
`limit`	No	Max spans to return
`query`	No	Raw span query (overrides structured filters). E.g. 'service:web-api @http.status_code:500'
`status`	No	Filter by span status
`service`	No	Filter by service name
`operation`	No	Filter by operation/resource name
`minDuration`	No	Minimum duration filter. E.g. '1s', '500ms'

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv1.0.0Sep 13, 2026

TDQS

A4/5.0

Behavior3/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full behavioral burden. It discloses the return fields (service, resource, duration, status), but omits read-only nature, pagination, rate limits, and other side-effect information, leaving significant gaps.

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?

Two sentences, front-loaded with purpose and return details, with no redundant or filler content. Every sentence earns its place.

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?

For a 10-parameter tool with no output schema and no annotations, the description provides a clear purpose and lists returned fields, while the schema fully documents all parameters. It lacks behavioral guidance and alternative tool selection, but is otherwise fairly complete.

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%, so all 10 parameters are fully documented in the schema. The description only generically mentions 'structured filters or raw query' without adding parameter-specific meaning beyond what the schema already provides.

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?

States a specific verb (Search) and resource (Datadog APM traces/spans), clearly distinguishing it from sibling tools like search_logs and query_metrics. It also mentions the two input modes (structured filters or raw query) and the returned fields.

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?

Provides clear context that this tool is for searching APM traces/spans, with structured filters or raw query. However, it does not name alternative tools or specify when-not to use this tool, leaving sibling selection to inference.

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

Deploy Server