edstem-mcp
Server Configuration
Describes the environment variables required to run the server.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ED_REGION | No | The Ed Discussion region (e.g., us, au). | us |
| ED_API_TOKEN | Yes | Your Ed Discussion API token. Get one at https://edstem.org/us/settings/api-tokens |
Instructions
Guidance the server publishes about itself, which clients place ahead of the tool catalog so the model reads it before choosing anything.
This server publishes no instructions, or was last inspected before Glama recorded them.
Capabilities
Features and capabilities supported by this server
Protocol revision2025-11-25
| Capability | Details |
|---|---|
| tools | {
"listChanged": true
} |
| prompts | {
"listChanged": true
} |
| resources | {
"listChanged": true
} |
Tools
Functions exposed to the LLM to take actions
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| get_userB | Get authenticated user info and enrolled courses |
| list_threadsC | List discussion threads in a course |
| get_threadA | Get a thread by global ID, including all comments and answers |
| get_course_threadA | Get a thread by its course-local number (the # shown in the Ed UI) |
| search_threadsB | Search threads in a course by title, content, or category |
| post_threadB | Create a new discussion thread. Content can be markdown (auto-converted to Ed XML). |
| edit_threadC | Edit an existing thread. Only provided fields are updated. |
| lock_threadB | Lock a thread (prevent new replies) |
| unlock_threadC | Unlock a thread |
| pin_threadC | Pin a thread to the top |
| unpin_threadC | Unpin a thread |
| endorse_threadC | Endorse a thread (staff) |
| unendorse_threadC | Remove endorsement from a thread |
| star_threadC | Star/bookmark a thread |
| unstar_threadC | Remove star from a thread |
| post_commentB | Post a comment or answer on a thread. Content can be markdown. |
| reply_to_commentC | Reply to an existing comment |
| endorse_commentC | Endorse a comment (staff) |
| unendorse_commentC | Remove endorsement from a comment |
| accept_answerA | Accept a comment as the answer to a question thread |
| list_usersA | List all users enrolled in a course (requires staff/admin) |
| list_user_activityB | List a user's recent threads and comments in a course |
| upload_file_from_urlA | Upload a file to Ed from a URL, returns the static file link |
| format_contentA | Convert markdown text to Ed Discussion XML format (preview, no API call) |
Prompts
Interactive templates invoked by user choice
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| check_assignment | Look up assignment details, requirements, and staff clarifications |
| unanswered_questions | List unresolved questions in a course |
| my_activity | Show your recent posts and comments in a course |
Resources
Contextual data attached and managed by the client
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| user-info | |
| courses |
TDQS
Scored across 24 tools
Most tools have distinct purposes targeting specific resources and actions (e.g., get_thread vs. list_threads, post_thread vs. edit_thread). However, some overlap exists between post_comment and reply_to_comment, as both involve adding comments, though the latter specifies replying to an existing comment. Tools like star_thread and unstar_thread are clearly paired opposites, reducing ambiguity.
Tool names follow a highly consistent verb_noun pattern throughout, using snake_case uniformly. Actions are clear (e.g., get, list, post, edit, lock, unlock) and paired opposites are consistently prefixed (e.g., endorse/unendorse, pin/unpin). This predictability makes it easy for an agent to understand and select tools.
With 24 tools, the count is borderline high for a discussion forum server, potentially feeling heavy. While the tools cover many operations, some might be niche (e.g., format_content, upload_file_from_url) or staff-only (e.g., endorse_comment), which could be consolidated or omitted without losing core functionality. A more streamlined set of 15-20 tools might be more appropriate.
The tool surface provides comprehensive coverage for a discussion forum domain, including full CRUD/lifecycle operations for threads and comments (create, read, update, delete via editing/removing actions), moderation features (lock, pin, endorse), search, user management, and file uploads. There are no obvious gaps, and agents can handle typical workflows without dead ends.