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pvliesdonk

markdown-vault-mcp

by pvliesdonk

Orphan Notes

get_orphan_notes
Read-onlyIdempotent

Find orphaned notes lacking both inbound and outbound links, so you can connect or remove them.

Instructions

Return all notes with no inbound or outbound links.

WARNING: returns ALL orphans with no limit — check 'stats' for orphan_count before calling on large vaults.

An orphan note has no backlinks (no other note links to it) and no outlinks (it links to nothing). Call this when 'stats' shows orphan_count > 0. Useful for finding isolated notes that may need to be connected to the rest of the vault or removed.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
wait_for_pending_writesNoWhen True, wait until your recent document mutations have been applied to the index before answering, so the results reflect those changes. Use it right after modifying notes when this read must see them (e.g. right after a document mutation whose effect this read should reflect). Default False answers immediately from the current index — almost always already up to date; inspect the response's ``_meta.index_stale`` field to tell whether a write was still in flight. Bounded by a server timeout (default 60s); on timeout it answers from the current index rather than waiting longer.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv4.0.0
    • changedInput schema / properties / wait_for_pending_writes / description
      Previous value: -"When True, wait until your recent\nwrite/edit/delete/rename operations have been applied to the\nindex before answering, so the results reflect those changes.\nUse it right after modifying notes when this read must see\nthem (e.g. right after a write/edit/delete/rename whose\neffect this read should reflect). Default\nFalse answers immediately from the current index — almost\nalways already up to date; inspect the response's\n``_meta.index_stale`` field to tell whether a write was still\nin flight. Bounded by a server timeout (default 60s); on\ntimeout it answers from the current index rather than waiting\nlonger."New value: +"When True, wait until your recent\ndocument mutations have been applied to the\nindex before answering, so the results reflect those changes.\nUse it right after modifying notes when this read must see\nthem (e.g. right after a document mutation whose\neffect this read should reflect). Default\nFalse answers immediately from the current index — almost\nalways already up to date; inspect the response's\n``_meta.index_stale`` field to tell whether a write was still\nin flight. Bounded by a server timeout (default 60s); on\ntimeout it answers from the current index rather than waiting\nlonger."
  2. First observedv3.1.0

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior5/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds important behavioral context beyond this: it warns that the tool 'returns ALL orphans with no limit' and advises checking orphan_count first. This is exactly the kind of unbounded-result warning that annotations do not convey.

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 compact and front-loaded: the core behavior is stated immediately, followed by the high-value warning, then the precise definition and usage trigger. Every sentence serves a purpose, and there is no redundant filler.

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

Completeness5/5

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

With annotations covering safety, a fully documented optional parameter, an output schema present, and a description that includes the semantics of orphan notes plus a scalability warning, all information an agent needs to select and invoke this tool correctly is present.

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%, and the single parameter wait_for_pending_writes is already thoroughly documented in the schema. The tool description adds no additional parameter-level guidance, but it does not need to because the schema carries the full burden.

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 states a specific verb and resource: 'Return all notes with no inbound or outbound links.' This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_backlinks or get_outlinks, which return link data for specific notes rather than orphan detection.

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?

The description gives a concrete trigger condition: 'Call this when stats shows orphan_count > 0.' It also warns to check stats before calling on large vaults, which is useful usage guidance. It does not explicitly name alternative tools or when not to use it, but the context is clear.

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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