Product Memory
Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@Product MemoryWhy does checkout use client-side idempotency keys?"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Product Memory
A what/why memory server for coding agents, over MCP. It answers what a piece of a system means and why it was built that way — down to the function level — so an agent (or you) stops re-deriving or re-breaking a decision someone already made. The current code stays the source of truth for how; this store never tries to replace it.
This repo ships with a small synthetic demo store (memory-store/) —
two fictional services, orbitcart (checkout/payments) and beacon
(notification dispatch) — so pm eval, the tests, and the MCP tools all run
out of the box without pointing at anyone's real codebase. Point
projects.yaml at your own repos to use it for real.
Get it running — no coding experience needed
1. Download it. Pick whichever is easier:
If you have Git: open Terminal and run
git clone <this repo's URL>If you don't: on the GitHub page, click the green Code button → Download ZIP, then unzip it.
2. Open a terminal inside the folder you just downloaded.
Mac: find the folder in Finder, right-click it, choose New Terminal at Folder (or open Terminal and type
cdfollowed by dragging the folder in, then press Enter).Windows: open the folder in File Explorer, hold Shift and right-click inside it, choose Open PowerShell window here.
Linux: right-click inside the folder in your file manager, choose Open Terminal Here (varies by desktop).
3. Run the setup script.
Mac / Linux: type
bash setup.shand press Enter.Windows: type
.\setup.ps1and press Enter. If it says the script is blocked, runSet-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser RemoteSignedonce first, then try again.
That's it — it installs everything this project needs (nothing system-wide, no admin password), builds the included demo, and runs a real search to prove it works. You'll see something like:
✓ Python 3 found (3.13.5)
✓ uv found
✓ Dependencies installed
✓ Demo memory store indexed
Trying a real search against the demo store...
8.75 [adr/verified] adr-0004-idempotency-keys-generated-client-side
ADR-0004: idempotency keys are generated client-side, not server-sideIf Claude Code is already on your machine, the script will offer to connect
Product Memory to it — say yes, restart Claude Code, and it's live for every
project. If not, or if you use a different coding agent, see MCP tools
below and point your agent's MCP config at
uv run --directory <this folder> python -m product_memory.server.
Once it's running, try:
uv run pm serve # a local web page to browse the memory
uv run pm search "your question here"When you're ready to use it for real (not the demo), open projects.yaml
and point it at your own repositories instead.
Related MCP server: SyncContext
The two design bets
Nothing an agent writes is trusted on arrival. Every fact proposed via
propose_memory gets status: proposed — never verified — until a human
runs pm review. Trusting a wrong memory costs more than missing a right
one, so the default is "written," not "true."
Ranking is measured, not assumed. pm eval scores keyword search (BM25
over SQLite FTS5) against a semantic vector index on a fixed set of real
questions with known answers, and re-checks it on every run rather than
settling it once. Whichever ranks better this run is the one that ranks —
in the author's private corpus (1,192 items) that's keyword at 0.785 MRR vs.
0.436 for semantic-only — with the vector index only appended below it as
extra recall, never reordering keyword's result. On this repo's small
12-question demo set, keyword alone already finds all 12 (pm eval →
0.819 MRR, 12/12); run pm embed first if you want the semantic/fusion
rows in the comparison too. See eval/queries.json and
product_memory/evaluate.py.
How memory gets populated
Never a full backfill — it would be stale before it finished. Four channels:
# | Channel | When | What lands |
1 | Docs import | once per repo | pointers/summaries of CLAUDE.md, CONVENTIONS.md, planning docs — never forked copies |
1b | Doc-tree import | once per large docs tree | bulk import with hard filtering (drops vendored docs, stubs, duplicates, "✅ Fixed!" session reports) |
2 | Change-time capture | every finished agent task | agent calls |
3 | Ask-time backfill | whenever you ask "why does X work like this?" | the agent researches once, answers you, and proposes the answer as a memory |
Layout
memory-store/ canonical store — markdown files in git, one fact each
_inbox/ agent proposals awaiting human promotion (or auto-approved, see below)
<project>/<repo>/ verified + promoted items
demo-repos/ tiny stub repos the demo store's code_symbol entries point at
projects.yaml registry: project -> repos -> disk paths
product_memory/
models.py data contracts (MemoryItem, TaskContext, WhyCard, ...)
store.py parse/iterate/propose store files
index.py SQLite FTS5 build + ranked search (disposable index)
semantic.py chunking + vector index, used for recall only
evaluate.py `pm eval` — MRR per retrieval mode, the ranking gate
conventions.py derive a repo's house style (declared + observed)
retrieval.py packet assembly (deterministic, no LLM)
staleness.py flags memories whose source code/doc changed since
server.py FastMCP stdio server — the MCP tools
webapp.py FastAPI local server (`pm serve`), loopback only
dashboard.py the review queue UI
ingest/ importers + secret redaction
cli.py `pm` — the commands below
eval/queries.json retrieval cases with known answers
tests/Commands
pm serve # live local server: real search, feedback, persisted marks
pm dashboard --open # generate the standalone review-queue file
pm search "query" # ranked search from the terminal
pm eval # score retrieval against eval/queries.json — run before ranking changes
pm conventions --project beacon --repo beacon # derive a repo's house style
pm review # the only path from proposed to verified
pm index && pm embed # rebuild the keyword index and the chunked vector index
pm stale # notes whose source moved onMCP tools
get_task_context · search_product_memory · get_project_overview ·
get_domain_rules · get_related_decisions · why_code(file, symbol) ·
get_recent_work · propose_memory (writes proposed, or auto-approves with
redaction — see PM_REVIEW=1 to force quarantine instead)
Setup
New to this and just want it running? Use bash setup.sh (.\setup.ps1 on
Windows) instead — see Get it running above. The manual steps below are
the same thing, spelled out:
git clone <this repo>
cd product-memory
uv sync
uv run pytest
uv run python -m product_memory.cli eval # or: pm eval, once installed
# register for ALL repos (user scope):
claude mcp add --scope user product-memory -- \
uv run --directory "$PWD" python -m product_memory.serverThen point projects.yaml at your own repositories, delete or keep the demo
orbitcart/beacon entries, and start capturing real memories with
propose_memory as you work.
Secrets
Anything written into the store is passed through redact_secrets — a
known-literals list (secret-literals.txt, gitignored, or PM_SECRET_LITERALS)
plus a generic credential-shape heuristic (label + high-entropy value in
proximity). The demo store ships with nothing to redact; pm eval's test
suite includes a CI guard (test_demo_store_is_clean) asserting exactly that.
License
MIT — see LICENSE.
Available Tools
9 toolsget_domain_rulesA
Verified invariants for a domain operation (e.g. 'wallet' / 'reverse transaction'). MANDATORY before money-path/auth/tenancy changes.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| domain | Yes | ||
| project | No | ||
| operation | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It adds that the invariants are 'verified' and that the call is mandatory before sensitive changes, but it does not state whether the tool is read-only, whether it enforces anything, or what happens if invariants are violated.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two terse sentences with no filler. It front-loads the core definition and then states the mandatory usage context, making it highly scannable and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description provides essential usage context and examples, and an output schema exists to cover return values. However, with no annotations and no schema-level parameter descriptions, the project parameter remains ambiguous and the tool's behavioral profile is incompletely specified.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. The examples give some semantics for 'domain' and 'operation', but the optional 'project' parameter is left completely unexplained, and valid values are not enumerated.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description states that the tool returns verified invariants for a domain operation and gives concrete examples ('wallet' / 'reverse transaction'). This clearly differentiates it from sibling tools like get_recent_work or get_project_overview, though it does not explicitly name an alternative.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly says this is MANDATORY before money-path/auth/tenancy changes, providing a clear trigger condition. It does not mention when not to use it or point to alternative tools, so it stops short of a 5.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_project_overviewB
Product purpose, service map, boundaries, and critical rules for a project/repository. Call when entering a repo for the first time.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| project | Yes | ||
| repository | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description bears the full burden. It discloses neither safety/side effects nor output format, authentication, pagination, or data volume. The 'get' name implies read-only behavior, but the description itself doesn't confirm this or any limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two short sentences with no filler. The content list is front-loaded, and the usage trigger is stated separately. Every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple 2-parameter read tool, the description is reasonably complete, but it doesn't define parameter semantics or distinguish itself from overlapping sibling tools. With no output schema and no annotations, an agent is left to guess the exact call shape and return style.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, and the schema only provides parameter titles. The description's phrase 'a project/repository' touches on the domain but does not explain the distinction between 'project' and 'repository', their optionality, or behavior when 'repository' is null.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description names the resource ('project/repository') and enumerates the deliverable contents ('Product purpose, service map, boundaries, and critical rules'), which clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools. It lacks an explicit retrieval verb, but the tool name plus content list make the action clear.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It gives an explicit trigger: 'Call when entering a repo for the first time.' This is clear context but doesn't mention when not to use it or contrast it with overlapping siblings like get_domain_rules or read_memory.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_recent_workC
Worklog: what was done and why, newest first. since = ISO date.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| since | No | ||
| project | No |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the result content and sort order, and hints that 'since' is an ISO date, but it does not explain that 'since' filters entries or describe the effect of omitting it. The read-only nature is implied by the verb 'get' but not made explicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The definition is short and front-loaded with the core purpose, with no filler. The 'since = ISO date' note is terse but acceptable, so it loses a point only for being cryptic rather than explanatory.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
An output schema exists, so return-value documentation is not required. However, the description fails to document the 'project' parameter and does not clarify what 'since' actually does. For a two-parameter read tool this is an incomplete guide.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate for both parameters. It only covers 'since' with a format hint (ISO date) but not its filtering semantics, and it omits the 'project' parameter entirely.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly identifies the resource (worklog), the content ('what was done and why'), and the ordering ('newest first'). It distinguishes itself as a worklog tool among memory/decision siblings, though it does not name a contrasting tool.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus the sibling tools. There are no alternatives named and no exclusions stated, so an agent must guess when a worklog lookup is appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_task_contextA
Compact task-specific packet: architecture, business rules, gotchas, code pointers, risks, verification steps. Call BEFORE planning.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| task | Yes | ||
| paths | No | ||
| project | No | ||
| repository | No | ||
| incident_id | No |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| risks | No | |
| gotchas | No | |
| conflicts | No | |
| freshness | No | |
| architecture | No | |
| verification | No | |
| relevant_code | No | |
| business_rules | No | |
| integration_rules | No | |
| task_understanding | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden. It usefully reveals what the returned packet contains and that it should precede planning, but it does not explicitly state whether the operation is read-only, whether it has side effects, or what permissions/inputs beyond the obvious are needed. Some transparency is present, but the safety profile is left implicit.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single compact sentence with a colon-delimited list of contents followed by a direct, imperative usage rule. It is front-loaded, scannable, and contains no filler or redundant restatement of the tool name.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the presence of an output schema, the description does not need to explain return values, and it covers the main high-level contents and invocation timing well. It is slightly incomplete in that it omits guidance on optional scoping parameters and sibling-tool differentiation, but it is adequate for a task-context retrieval tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, and the description provides no parameter-level guidance. The field names (task, paths, project, repository, incident_id) are partially self-explanatory, and 'task-specific' aligns with the required 'task' parameter, but the description does not clarify how optional parameters interact, which combinations are valid, or what values are expected. In a low-coverage situation, the description should compensate and does not.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description identifies a specific resource—a task-specific packet—and enumerates its contents (architecture, business rules, gotchas, code pointers, risks, verification steps), which makes the tool's purpose fairly clear. It stops short of a strong action verb like 'retrieve' or 'build', but the intent is unambiguous and distinct from broader sibling tools like get_project_overview.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The explicit 'Call BEFORE planning' gives clear temporal guidance, telling an agent when in the workflow this tool should be invoked. It does not explicitly compare against alternatives or state when not to use the tool, but the timing guidance is strong enough for a 4.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
propose_memoryA
Record a new memory. Auto-approved by default; set PM_REVIEW=1 to queue
it for pm review instead.
Auto-approve is the default because a proposal sitting in the inbox is a fact
the next session does not have — the queue was the thing between writing a
memory and being able to use it. Redaction and collision-safety are NOT
relaxed by it: secrets are still stripped before the write (the store is
committed to git) and an id clash still suffixes rather than overwrites.
Auto-approved entries record verified_by="auto", so a reader can tell a
machine-approved note from one a person checked.
Use at task completion: one type='code_symbol' entry per function you added
or meaningfully changed (body: WHAT: / WHY: / NEED: / WHY THIS WAY: /
GOTCHA:), passing refs with the PRD, spec or ticket that asked for it,
plus one type='worklog' entry for the task itself. Also use to record the
answer when the user asks "why does X work this way?".
Never include credentials, tokens, or passwords — this store is committed to git.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| file | No | ||
| refs | No | ||
| tags | No | ||
| type | Yes | ||
| title | Yes | ||
| source | No | ||
| symbol | No | ||
| content | Yes | ||
| project | Yes | ||
| repository | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations present, the description carries the full burden and it delivers: it discloses auto-approval default, the PM_REVIEW=1 escape hatch, that redaction/collision-safety are NOT relaxed, that secrets are stripped because the store is committed to git, that id clashes suffix rather than overwrite, and that auto-approved entries carry verified_by='auto'. It also warns against credentials — comprehensive side-effect disclosure well beyond the minimum.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Four dense paragraphs, front-loaded with the action and the one flag (PM_REVIEW=1) an agent must know first; the rationale sentence explains why auto-approve is the default, which prevents the agent from second-guessing the contract. Minor redundancy exists ('committed to git' appears twice) and the middle rationale paragraph could be tightened, but no sentence is wasted.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a 10-parameter write tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description covers the essential ground: purpose, approval behavior, safety constraints, usage recipes, and the required refs/content formats. The gaps are the unexplained parameters (symbol, source, file, repository, tags) and the absence of any statement about return values or success signals, though the behavioral contract is unusually complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate — and it does for the high-stakes parameters: type is given concrete values ('code_symbol', 'worklog'), refs is explained as PRD/spec/ticket references, and content gets a full WHAT/WHY/NEED/WHY THIS WAY/GOTCHA template. However, symbol, source, file, repository, and tags get no semantic explanation, leaving ambiguity around the symbol/file/repository distinction.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Opens with 'Record a new memory' — a specific verb plus resource — and immediately extends into the behavioral contract (auto-approved by default, PM_REVIEW=1 queue). All eight siblings are read/query tools (get_, search_, read_, why_), so the write verb clearly separates this tool; the concrete use cases (code_symbol per function, worklog entry, 'why does X work this way?' answers) make the purpose unmistakable.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The third paragraph is a direct usage instruction: 'Use at task completion' with a precise recipe — one type='code_symbol' entry per changed function, the WHAT/WHY/NEED/WHY THIS WAY/GOTCHA body format, refs pointing at PRD/spec/ticket, plus a worklog entry — and a second trigger ('record the answer when the user asks why does X work this way?'). It doesn't name read-sibling alternatives explicitly, but the write-vs-read split plus the concrete triggers make when-to-use unambiguous.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
read_memoryA
The FULL body of one memory, by the id a search hit returned.
The counterpart to snippet results: search gives you the passage that matched and enough to choose from, this gives you the whole note once you have chosen. Returns None when the id is unknown, which is the honest answer for a stale id from an older session rather than a guess at the nearest match.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| memory_id | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full behavioral burden. It clearly discloses that this returns the full note rather than a snippet, and that it returns None for unknown/stale ids instead of guessing a nearest match. This is precise and honest behavioral disclosure.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences, each earning its place: the core behavior, the relationship to search, and the edge-case return behavior. The most important information is front-loaded, and there is no filler.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool is simple, has one parameter, and has an output schema. The description covers the source of the id, the return behavior, and the stale-id edge case, so nothing essential is missing for an agent to call it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema only provides a string type and parameter name, so the description must compensate. It does so by explaining that memory_id is specifically the id a search hit returned, and that stale ids from older sessions are possible. This adds essential meaning not present in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description states a specific verb and resource: it reads the FULL body of one memory by id. It also distinguishes itself from search_product_memory by positioning itself as the counterpart to snippet results.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly says to use this tool after search has returned a hit and enough context to choose, then calls out that this retrieves the whole note. It names the alternative workflow (search gives the passage) and the correct sequencing.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
search_product_memoryA
Ranked search over all verified product/architecture/incident memory.
Returns a SNIPPET of each hit — the passage that matched — plus store_path.
Read the file when a snippet turns out to be the thing; full=True returns
whole bodies, which costs roughly five times as much for a list you are
mostly scanning to choose from.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| full | No | ||
| limit | No | ||
| query | Yes | ||
| project | No | ||
| repository | No |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the burden and does well: it states the tool returns snippets plus `store_path`, explains the cost tradeoff of `full=True` ('costs roughly five times as much'), and implies read-only behavior through 'search' and 'returns.' It does not detail rate limits or authorization, but for a search tool the key behavioral aspects (output format, performance) are covered.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is compact (about 60 words), front-loaded with the core purpose, and each subsequent sentence adds vital operational detail (return format, follow-up action, cost tradeoff). There is no filler or repeated schema information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite the lack of parameter descriptions and annotations, the description covers the essential agent workflow: search by query, inspect snippets, read a file when relevant, or request full bodies at a known cost. The presence of an output schema excuses deeper return-value detail, but the intended meaning of project/repository filters remains under-specified.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It explains the `full` parameter meaningfully (snippets vs. whole bodies, cost), but `query`, `limit`, `project`, and `repository` receive no elaboration—their meanings are left to inference from names and types. The description adds some semantic value but leaves significant gaps for filtering parameters.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description opens with 'Ranked search over all verified product/architecture/incident memory,' naming a specific verb (search), a distinct resource (verified memory), and a clear scope. This differentiates it from siblings like read_memory (which reads files by path rather than searching content) without needing to reference them explicitly.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives actionable workflow guidance: 'Read the file when a snippet turns out to be the thing' and explains when to use `full=True` versus scanning snippets. This effectively contrasts the tool with file-read alternatives, though it does not explicitly discuss when to prefer search_product_memory over other sibling search-like tools such as get_related_decisions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
why_codeA
WHAT/WHY/WHY-THIS-WAY/GOTCHA card for a function or file. Call before rewriting existing code so past decisions aren't undone blindly.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| file | Yes | ||
| symbol | No |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It communicates an informational purpose and implies a safe read-only operation, but it does not explicitly state that it has no side effects, what happens when no card exists, or any permission requirements.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single front-loaded sentence that wastes no words. It packs the tool's purpose, output type, and usage timing into a compact, readable form.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given only two parameters, an output schema, and a clear usage directive, the description is largely complete for invocation. The main gap is not explaining how it differs from closely related siblings like get_related_decisions, but that is not required for a correct call.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. 'Function or file' loosely maps to the `file` and optional `symbol` parameters, but the description never explicitly connects those concepts to the parameter names or explains the optional/nullable behavior of `symbol`.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly identifies the tool as a 'WHAT/WHY/WHY-THIS-WAY/GOTCHA card' for a function or file, with the explicit purpose of surfacing past decisions before rewriting. This distinguishes it from sibling retrieval tools like read_memory or get_project_overview by anchoring it to code-specific rationale.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It explicitly states when to call: 'before rewriting existing code.' It does not list exclusions or name alternative sibling tools, but the when-to-use guidance is clear and actionable.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.
9 tool updates
v0.1.0- First observed
get_domain_rules - First observed
get_project_overview - First observed
get_recent_work - First observed
get_related_decisions - First observed
get_task_context - First observed
propose_memory - First observed
read_memory - First observed
search_product_memory - First observed
why_code
TDQS
The tools have mostly clear, distinct purposes: search vs. read, context retrieval vs. rule retrieval, and write vs. read. However, the context-retrieval tools (get_project_overview, get_task_context, get_domain_rules, get_related_decisions) overlap somewhat and rely on descriptions to tell them apart, and search_product_memory with full=True partially duplicates read_memory.
Most tools follow a consistent get_/search_/read_/propose_ verb pattern, which makes the set predictable. why_code breaks the pattern as a noun-style tool name, and the mix of get_ with search_/read_ is a minor deviation.
Nine tools is well within the ideal range for a product memory server, and each tool covers a distinct retrieval or write need. The count feels appropriately scoped without being bloated or thin.
The surface covers the core lifecycle well: search, read, targeted context retrieval, recent work, and recording new memories. There is no explicit update/delete/invalidation tool for memories, though the append-only/id-suffix design suggests this may be intentional; still, explicit correction would make it more complete.
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