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Glama

Open Kioku Get Definition

get_definition
Read-onlyIdempotent

Find a symbol's definition location, file range, and body by its name. Use after resolving a symbol to retrieve its defining range and code for precise read-only navigation.

Instructions

Retrieve the definition location, file range, and body of a symbol (function, class, struct, trait, module) by its name. Use after resolving a symbol name to retrieve its defining range and body. Prefer search_symbols for candidate discovery and get_symbol_context when surrounding references and documentation are needed. This is read-only.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
queryYesThe exact or partial name of the symbol to find the definition for.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
valueNoWrapped non-object output, used for Markdown, TOON, or scalar responses.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv2.2.3
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
      +  "additionalProperties": true,
      +  "description": "The MCP structuredContent object returned by this Open Kioku tool. Most tools expose their JSON fields directly; string or scalar tool outputs are wrapped as {\"value\": ...}.",
      +  "properties": {
      +    "value": {
      +      "description": "Wrapped non-object output, used for Markdown, TOON, or scalar responses."
      +    }
      +  },
      +  "type": "object"
      +}
  2. Changed1 schema field changedv2.0.3
    • changedInput schema / properties / query / description
      Previous value: -"Symbol name"New value: +"The exact or partial name of the symbol to find the definition for."
  3. First observedv2.0.1

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

The description adds context about what is returned (location, range, body) and states read-only, which is consistent with annotations. While annotations already cover safety, the description enriches understanding of the tool's output.

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?

Three concise sentences, each serving a distinct purpose: stating the action, usage timing, and alternatives with read-only note. No redundancy.

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?

Given the simple tool with one parameter, annotations, and output schema, the description is complete. It covers purpose, usage prerequisites, sibling references, and safety.

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 baseline is 3. The description does not add additional parameter semantics 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?

The description clearly states the action (retrieve), object (definition location, file range, body), and target (symbol by name). It lists specific symbol types (function, class, struct, trait, module), distinguishing it from sibling tools.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly says to use after resolving a symbol name and directs to search_symbols for candidate discovery and get_symbol_context for surrounding references and documentation, providing clear when-to-use and alternatives.

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