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softgridinc-pte-ltd

Excel Reader Server

by softgridinc-pte-ltd
OverviewSchemaRelated ServersScoreDiscussions
Python
Hybrid

read_excel_by_sheet_name

Extract data from a specific sheet in Excel files by specifying the sheet name. Reads the first sheet by default when no name is provided, returning structured JSON output.

Instructions

Read content from a specific sheet by name in Excel (xlsx) files. Reads first sheet if sheet_name not provided.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
file_pathYesPath to the Excel file
sheet_nameNoName of the sheet to read (optional, defaults to first sheet)

Implementation Reference

  • src/excel_reader_server/server.py:113-129 (handler)
    Handler function logic for executing 'read_excel_by_sheet_name': selects sheet by name (defaults to first), reads all rows as list of lists with string values.
    elif name == "read_excel_by_sheet_name":
    # Get sheet by name, default to first sheet if not specified
    sheet_name = arguments.get("sheet_name")
    if not sheet_name:
        sheet_name = workbook.sheetnames[0]
    elif sheet_name not in workbook.sheetnames:
        raise ValueError(f"Sheet '{sheet_name}' not found in workbook")
        
    sheet = workbook[sheet_name]
    sheet_data = []
    
    for row in sheet.rows:
        row_data = [str(cell.value) if cell.value is not None else "" for cell in row]
        sheet_data.append(row_data)
    
    result[sheet_name] = sheet_data
  • src/excel_reader_server/server.py:33-50 (schema)
    Tool schema definition including input JSON schema for file_path (required) and optional sheet_name.
    types.Tool(
    name="read_excel_by_sheet_name",
    description="Read content from a specific sheet by name in Excel (xlsx) files. Reads first sheet if sheet_name not provided.",
    inputSchema={
        "type": "object",
        "properties": {
            "file_path": {
                "type": "string",
                "description": "Path to the Excel file"
            },
            "sheet_name": {
                "type": "string",
                "description": "Name of the sheet to read (optional, defaults to first sheet)"
            }
        },
        "required": ["file_path"]
    }
),
  • src/excel_reader_server/server.py:79-79 (registration)
    Tool name validation in the call_tool handler to recognize 'read_excel_by_sheet_name'.
    if name not in ["read_excel", "read_excel_by_sheet_name", "read_excel_by_sheet_index"]:

Tool Definition Quality

A3.9/5.0
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 burden. It discloses the read operation and default behavior, but lacks details on error handling (e.g., if sheet_name doesn't exist), performance considerations, or output format. It adequately describes the core behavior but misses advanced behavioral traits.

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 appropriately sized and front-loaded, consisting of two concise sentences that directly state the purpose and default behavior without any wasted words. Every sentence earns its place by providing essential information.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given the tool's moderate complexity (reading Excel files with optional parameters), no annotations, and no output schema, the description is minimally complete. It covers the basic operation but lacks details on output structure, error handling, or file format constraints, leaving gaps for an agent to infer.

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 the schema already documents both parameters fully. The description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema provides, such as examples or edge cases. Baseline 3 is appropriate when the schema does the heavy lifting.

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 specific action ('Read content'), resource ('from a specific sheet by name in Excel files'), and scope ('first sheet if sheet_name not provided'). It distinguishes from sibling tools by specifying it reads by sheet name rather than by index or general reading.

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 provides clear context on when to use this tool (to read a specific sheet by name) and includes a default behavior (reads first sheet if sheet_name not provided). However, it does not explicitly mention when to use alternatives like read_excel_by_sheet_index or read_excel, nor does it provide exclusion criteria.

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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