free-search-mcp
This server is a keyless Model Context Protocol toolkit that lets any LLM search the web, fetch and read pages/documents, and produce cited research briefs.
Web search: multi-engine keyless search (
search) with RRF merging, deduplication, filters (freshness, domains, category, text), and optional JSON output.One-shot research:
research(question, depth)searches and fetches top results into a cited Markdown brief with token estimate.Fetch pages and documents:
fetch/fetch_batchfor reader-mode Markdown, parsed text from PDF/DOCX/XLSX/PPTX/EPUB/CSV, and descriptions for images/binaries (withinlinefor vision models).Read long documents:
read_docprovides paginated parsing of remote or sandboxed local files.Citation graph exploration:
paper_graphfollows a paper's references and citing works, including retraction/correction notices.Compare sources:
comparefetches 2–5 URLs and returns side-by-side excerpts for a given question.Structured metadata extraction:
extract_structuredpulls JSON-LD, OpenGraph, Twitter cards, and microdata.Search local cache:
cache_searchruns FTS5 queries over previously fetched pages.List engines:
engines()shows the available source tree, groups, and categories.Download files:
downloadsaves files to an auto-expiring local directory (can be disabled).Optional delegation: an
asktool appears when an answer backend is configured; aquick-searchagent andverified-researchskill are included.Extras: 5 MCP prompts, 2 resource templates, caching, proxy support, and optional own-API-key engines (Brave, Serper, Tavily, etc.).
Included in the 'paper' category filter, restricting search results to arXiv (along with other academic domains).
Allows web search using Baidu as an opt-in engine, but may face intermittent challenges for headless clients.
Allows web search using Brave Search as an opt-in engine, though may require browser fallback to handle captchas.
Allows web search using DuckDuckGo, one of the default multi-engine search sources without API key.
Allows web search using Mojeek, one of the default multi-engine search sources without API key.
Allows web search using Startpage, one of the default multi-engine search sources without API key.
Click on "Deploy 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., "@free-search-mcpresearch Quantum computing breakthroughs, depth=2"
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.
free-search-mcp
free-search-mcp is a local-first Model Context Protocol server that needs no API key. It lets any LLM (Claude, GPT, a local Ollama model, …) search the web, fetch and clean up pages, and read documents, and you never sign up for a search API.
It combines ideas from several open-source MCP servers in one Python package, and adds the output shaping for LLMs and the reliability work that each of them lacked.
research("how does reciprocal rank fusion work", depth=3)
↓
# Research brief: how does reciprocal rank fusion work
_engines: duckduckgo, bing, anysearch · sources: 3 · ~3,400 tokens_
## Sources
- [1] Reciprocal rank fusion | Elasticsearch Reference — <https://…>
- [2] Hybrid Search Scoring (RRF) | Microsoft Learn — <https://…>
- [3] RRF explained in 4 mins — Medium — <https://…>
## Documents
…full Markdown bodies of each page, ready for the LLM to read…That was one tool call. It returned three sources with their full text, and no API key was involved.
Quick start
You need uv and nothing else: no sign-up, no API key, no clone.
In Claude Code, inside a session:
/plugin marketplace add sweetcornna/free-search-mcp
/plugin install free-search@free-search-mcpIn Codex:
codex plugin marketplace add sweetcornna/free-search-mcp
codex plugin add free-search@free-search-mcp(In Codex, a [mcp_servers.search] entry left in ~/.codex/config.toml by an
earlier codex mcp add silently shadows the plugin's server. Remove it with
codex mcp remove search.)
The plugin brings the 11 tools, the verified-research skill (how to check a
snippet against its page and its date) and, in Claude Code, the
free-search:quick-search agent, all pinned to one version.
/plugin update free-search moves to the next release.
Optionally, install Chromium once for the browser-rendered engines (brave,
startpage, zhihu, …) and JavaScript-heavy pages. Everything else works
without it, and a call that needs it returns this command as its error:
uvx --from free-search-mcp playwright install chromiumClaude Desktop, other clients, a source checkout and Docker are under Install.
Related MCP server: uvxwebsearchmcp
Why this exists
Multi-engine | No API key | Smart fallback | PDF/DOCX | FTS5 cache | Filters | Trafilatura | LLM-tuned | |
| ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ |
| ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ |
| ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ |
free-search-mcp | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
"LLM-tuned" means Markdown-first output with token estimates, errors that name
the next step, and a research() that turns a search and its fetches into one
call. docs/HOW_IT_WORKS.md explains the less obvious
columns.
Tools (11)
Tool | Description |
| Parallel multi-engine search, RRF-merged, title-fuzzy + host-canonical deduped, with optional extractive |
| One-shot: search + fetch top N + return Markdown brief |
| Walk one paper's citation graph: references, citing works ranked by influence, and Crossref retraction/correction notices. Takes a DOI, an OpenAlex ID, an exact title, or an arXiv reference ( |
| Concurrent fetch of 2-5 URLs, side-by-side excerpts keyed by question |
| Fetch any resource: reader-mode Markdown for pages, parsed text for documents, or a description (type/size/dimensions/sha256) for images and binaries. |
| Concurrent multi-URL fetch (max 20 per call) |
| Parse PDF / DOCX / XLSX / PPTX / EPUB / CSV / code / zip-tar / HTML / TXT / MD with pagination |
| Pull JSON-LD / OpenGraph / Twitter cards / microdata via extruct. Long prose fields ( |
| FTS5 search across previously fetched pages |
| The source tree (group, then sub-group, then engine), one line each. |
| Save a file to |
There are also 5 MCP prompts and 2 resource templates (cache://page/{url},
cache://search/{query_hash}). A twelfth tool, ask, appears only when an
answer backend is configured (see Delegating a lookup).
search and research take these filters:
Param | Values | Effect |
|
| Only results from the last N. Results with no date are kept, and |
|
| Restrict to these domains |
|
| Remove these |
| a group ( | Routes to the sources that natively index that kind of thing; the enum in the tool schema lists every value |
|
| Substring required in title/snippet |
|
| Substring forbidden |
|
| Accept a cached answer only if it is younger than this. Default 7 days; the tightest of this, the |
Output is Markdown by default, with provenance and a token estimate in the
header. format="json" returns structured data.
How a search runs
A search that names no engines asks a small keyless pool:
duckduckgo,bing,anysearchandmojeek.googlenewsjoins when recency is asked for, andso360when the query is written in Chinese.category=routes to sources that index that kind of thing (papers, filings, datasets, packages, CVEs, …). Record sources such aspypi,nvdoropenmeteoalso join by themselves when the question is one they can answer directly.An engine that serves a CAPTCHA, a login wall or an off-topic page is benched, a reserve takes its seat, and the response says what happened. A proxy (
SEARCH_MCP_PROXY) is the fix for IP gating.Every result says how old it is and where its date came from, so the agent can tell a lead from a checked fact.
engines()prints the whole source tree.engines=["so360", "baidu"]runs exactly the engines named.
No engine that a search reaches by itself needs a key. The details, with measurements, are in docs/HOW_IT_WORKS.md; walls and proxies in docs/PROXY_AND_GATES.md; a tour of the tools with examples in docs/USAGE.md.
Install
The plugin in Quick start is the recommended path, because the server is pinned to the plugin's version and updates with it. The other routes run the same server:
Where | How |
Claude Desktop | open |
MCP Registry |
|
Claude Code, without the plugin |
|
Codex, without the plugin |
|
Any other MCP client | the stdio command |
Docker |
|
A source checkout with Chromium, a smoke test and client registration in one step:
curl -LsSf https://raw.githubusercontent.com/sweetcornna/free-search-mcp/main/scripts/install.sh | bash -s -- --client claude-codeOver HTTP, uvx free-search-mcp --transport streamable-http --port 8000
serves http://127.0.0.1:8000/mcp. That endpoint has no authentication and
fetches any URL for whoever reaches it, so keep it on loopback or put an
authenticating proxy in front.
The JSON for Claude Desktop, Cursor, Cline, Continue and Zed, the installer's options and the plugin's token cost are in docs/INSTALL.md. Operating rules for agents are in docs/AGENT_USAGE.md.
Search on your own account: codex and antigravity
Two opt-in engines search on an account you sign in with instead of an API key. Neither is in any pool or route: a search reaches one only when the call names it, and nothing changes for anyone who never signs in.
|
| |
Searches with | OpenAI's web search, the one Codex uses | Google Search, run by a Gemini model |
Account | a ChatGPT plan that includes Codex | a Google account with Antigravity |
Each search counts against | the plan's Codex usage | the account's Antigravity quota |
The provider allows it | yes | no, see the warning below |
Opens a sign-in page by itself | on first use, over stdio on a desktop | never |
Full guide, with 中文速览 |
Warning: Google's Antigravity terms forbid using its sign-in from third-party tools and name suspension of the Antigravity and Gemini CLI accounts as the consequence, and Google has suspended accounts for it. Sign in to
antigravityonly with an account you accept that risk for.
1. Sign in once
Run the sign-in on the machine the server runs on:
uvx --from free-search-mcp search-mcp-login codex # the ChatGPT page `codex login` shows
uvx --from free-search-mcp search-mcp-login antigravity # prints the warning, then Google's consent page
uvx --from free-search-mcp search-mcp-login status # account, plan, token expiry(uv run search-mcp-login … in a source checkout.) The settings page,
search-mcp-admin, has the same Sign in / 登录 buttons. Tokens are stored in
~/.config/search-mcp/oauth/ (0600) and refreshed automatically. The plugin,
uvx and the Desktop bundle all read that directory, so a running server picks
up a new sign-in without a restart.
codexcan skip this step: the first search that names it opens the sign-in page and finishes once you approve (stdio on a desktop only;SEARCH_MCP_CODEX_AUTO_SIGNIN=falseturns it off). A machine already signed in to the Codex CLI can reuse that sign-in read-only withsearch-mcp-login codex --use-codex-cli.antigravitysigns in with Antigravity's own OAuth client, which is not shipped in this package. The sign-in reads it from the Antigravity app installed on the machine (checked on macOS). Without Antigravity installed, setSEARCH_MCP_ANTIGRAVITY_CLIENT_IDandSEARCH_MCP_ANTIGRAVITY_CLIENT_SECRET; a machine that has signed in keeps both in~/.config/search-mcp/oauth/antigravity.json.
2. Name the engine
search("rust 2024 edition changes", engines=["codex"])
research("what changed in python 3.14 asyncio", engines=["antigravity"])
search("rust 2024 edition changes", engines=["codex", "duckduckgo", "bing"])In Claude Code or Codex, ask for it in words ("search this with the codex
engine"). Filters apply as usual, and results are cached like any other
search. Measured on 2026-09-26, a codex search took about 3 s and an
antigravity search 10 to 20 s.
3. Settings (all optional)
Var | Default | Meaning |
|
|
|
|
| seconds for one search |
|
| open the sign-in page on first use |
| read from the Antigravity install | for a machine without Antigravity; set both or neither |
| empty | the sign-in and the searches go through it |
On a server, over SSH, or in Docker
Sign in with
--no-browser(search-mcp-login codex --no-browser, orantigravity --no-browser), open the printed address in any browser, and approve. The browser then fails to load a127.0.0.1:1455orlocalhost:51121address; paste that whole address into the terminal.Over
streamable-http,codexnever opens a sign-in page by itself, since it would open on the server. Sign in there with the command above first.In Docker, point
SEARCH_MCP_CONFIG_DIRat a mounted volume so the tokens outlive the container, and run the sign-in inside it with--no-browser.antigravitythere needs the two client variables.
search-mcp-login logout codex or logout antigravity deletes the stored
tokens. To revoke Antigravity's access itself, remove it under "Third-party
apps and services" in the Google account.
When it does not work
The error says | Do this |
| no sign-in is stored on this machine; run the sign-in above |
| another sign-in ( |
the usage limit, quota or rate limit was reached | wait until the reset time the error gives; the keyless engines still work |
| install Antigravity, or set the two client variables |
HTTP 403 | set |
| sign in again |
Optional: your own API key
You do not need one, and agents should never ask for one. Five engines run only when a call names them and the operator has set their own key:
Engine | Provider | Key |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Set a key as an environment variable or .env line, or on the local settings
page:
uv run search-mcp-admin # local settings / 本地设置 — http://127.0.0.1:8765(uvx --from free-search-mcp search-mcp-admin for a plugin or uvx install.)
The page is bilingual (中英双语), binds to 127.0.0.1 only, applies a saved
key without a restart, and never shows a stored value again. The walkthrough
per provider is docs/API_KEYS.md.
Delegating a lookup
Delegation keeps page text out of the caller's context and returns a short answer with dated sources. None of it is on by default:
You want | Use | It needs |
The agent to search and read by itself | the tools, as installed | nothing |
Your host's own subagents to do the lookup | the | a host with subagents |
The server to dispatch through Claude Code |
| the |
The server to dispatch through Codex |
| the |
The server to call a model endpoint you choose |
| an OpenAI-compatible or Anthropic-compatible URL |
Your own code to supply the model |
| nothing else |
The settings, the agent files and measured timings are in docs/DELEGATION.md.
Configuration
Nothing is required. Settings are SEARCH_MCP_* variables, read from the
environment first, then ./.env, then ~/.config/search-mcp/.env
(SEARCH_MCP_CONFIG_DIR moves that directory). The ones people change most:
Var | Default | Meaning |
| empty | outbound proxy ( |
| empty | proxy only these engines |
|
| the pool a search uses when it names no engines |
|
| locale for engines that take one |
|
| search and page cache |
| empty | register only these tools |
Every setting is listed in docs/CONFIGURATION.md and documented in .env.example.
Development
git clone https://github.com/sweetcornna/free-search-mcp.git && cd free-search-mcp
uv sync && uv run playwright install chromium
uv run pytest -q # offline
SEARCH_MCP_TEST_NETWORK=1 uv run pytest -v # live, hits the real webRunning claude inside the checkout picks up the repo's .mcp.json, which
starts the working tree's server. The architecture is in
docs/HOW_IT_WORKS.md, and cutting a
release in docs/RELEASING.md.
Credits
This project builds on:
mrkrsl/web-search-mcp: the httpx-then-Playwright fetch strategy and the multi-engine fallback chainAas-ee/open-webSearch: multi-engine breadth (Bing/DDG/Baidu/Brave/Startpage)VincentKaufmann/noapi-google-search-mcp: anti-detection patterns (navigator.webdriver, UA, cookies), the SQLite FTS5 cache idea, and multi-formatread_documentnickclyde/duckduckgo-mcp-server: per-engine rate limiting and LLM-friendly content cleanupMojeek, an independent search index that doesn't gate on User-Agent
License
MIT. See LICENSE.
Available Tools
11 toolscache_searchSearch local cache (FTS5)ARead-onlyIdempotent
Full-text search over pages already fetched into the local SQLite FTS5 index.
Best for:
- Recalling something the user/agent fetched earlier in the conversation
("what did that Wikipedia page say about X").
- Avoiding re-fetching content already in the local cache.
- Quick keyword grep across the corpus you've built up.
Not recommended for:
- Discovering new pages on the open web -> use `search` or `research`.
- When the cache is empty (fresh install) -> `search`/`research` first to
populate it.
Returns:
- markdown (default): a per-hit list of title, URL, and a `[bracket]`-
highlighted snippet around the matched terms.
- json: list of {url, title, snippet, author, date, sitename}. The last
three are "" when the cached row predates metadata capture.
Common mistakes:
- Treating this like web search: it ONLY hits pages already in the local
cache. If the user hasn't fetched anything, you'll get zero hits.
- Using natural-language phrases without quoting them; FTS5 splits on
whitespace as AND. For an exact phrase use `"like this"`.
Args:
query: FTS5 query. Bare terms = AND. Supports OR / NOT, prefix
(`term*`), and phrase (`"exact phrase"`).
limit: Max hits to return.
format: "markdown" or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | ||
| query | Yes | ||
| format | No | markdown |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so safety is covered. The description goes well beyond by disclosing FTS5 semantics (AND on whitespace, phrase quoting, prefix/OR/NOT), return format differences, and the common mistake of treating it like web search. It adds rich behavioral context without contradicting annotations.
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 structured with clear sections and front-loaded with the core purpose. It's longer than average but each section (best-for, not-recommended, returns, mistakes, args) adds distinct value. Slightly verbose, but nothing is redundant or 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 has 3 params and no output schema, so the description must cover both invocation and return semantics. It does: it explains the return formats, metadata caveats, and pitfalls. An agent has everything needed to call this correctly, including edge cases like empty cache and phrase quoting.
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 carries full burden. It explains `query` with FTS5 syntax (AND, OR, NOT, prefix, phrase), `limit` as max hits, and `format` with output differences (markdown vs json, plus the metadata caveat). This is far more than the schema provides.
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 a precise verb+resource: 'Full-text search over pages already fetched into the local SQLite FTS5 index.' It immediately distinguishes itself from siblings by explicitly naming `search`/`research` as the alternatives for discovering new pages, making the tool's scope unambiguous.
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 has a 'Best for' section listing concrete use cases (recalling fetched content, avoiding re-fetches, keyword grep) and a 'Not recommended for' section that names alternatives (`search`/`research`) and even covers the empty-cache case. This is explicit routing with no inference needed.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
compareCompare URLs side-by-sideARead-onlyIdempotent
Fetch 2-5 URLs concurrently and return per-URL excerpts so the LLM can compare them against a single question in one round trip.
Best for:
- Side-by-side product/feature/article comparisons.
- "Compare X to Y" or "How does A differ from B" queries.
- Triangulating a fact across multiple sources.
Not recommended for:
- >5 URLs -> use `fetch_batch`.
- 1 URL -> use `fetch`.
- Don't have URLs yet -> use `search` or `research` first.
Returns:
- markdown (default): a comparison brief with per-URL sections, each
containing title, sitename, published date, and a smart-truncated excerpt.
- json: {question, urls, excerpts:[{url, title, excerpt, ...}],
tokens_estimated}.
Common mistakes:
- Asking `compare` to actually answer the question: it returns material,
the LLM does the comparison.
- Passing >5 URLs and expecting them all to fit in context: use
`fetch_batch` for bulk reads.
Args:
question: The comparison question the LLM will answer using the
returned excerpts.
urls: 2-5 absolute http(s) URLs.
format: "markdown" (default) or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| urls | Yes | ||
| format | No | markdown | |
| question | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Beyond the readOnlyHint and idempotentHint annotations, the description discloses concurrency, smart truncation, return format specifics (markdown/json with tokens_estimated), and common mistakes (e.g., asking it to answer the question). No contradiction with annotations; it adds valuable behavioral context.
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 well-structured with sections (intro, best for, not recommended, returns, mistakes, args). It front-loads the core purpose and each sentence earns its place, providing high information density without fluff.
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 is fully self-contained: it covers when to use, when not to use, parameter details, return formats, and common pitfalls. No output schema exists, but the return description is detailed enough for an agent to handle responses 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?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. The 'Args' section explains every parameter: question (purpose), urls (count and format), format (enum with default). This is complete and adds meaning beyond the bare 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 action ('Fetch 2-5 URLs concurrently and return per-URL excerpts'), identifies the resource (URLs), and clarifies the outcome (enables comparison). It also distinguishes itself from siblings by naming fetch_batch and fetch as alternatives for different URL counts, leaving no ambiguity.
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?
Explicit 'Best for' and 'Not recommended for' sections give concrete usage conditions: >5 URLs → fetch_batch, 1 URL → fetch, no URLs → search/research. This is direct, actionable guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
downloadDownload a file to diskAIdempotent
Save a file from a URL to a local, auto-expiring download directory.
Downloads are enabled by default and saved under
`SEARCH_MCP_CACHE_DIR/downloads`. Set `SEARCH_MCP_DOWNLOAD_ENABLED=false`
to disable them or `SEARCH_MCP_DOWNLOAD_DIR` to override the destination.
Best for:
- Keeping an actual file (installer, dataset, archive, image) rather than
its text.
- Handing a path to another tool that needs a real file on disk.
Not recommended for:
- Reading a document's contents -> use `read_doc`, which parses it without
touching the filesystem.
- Looking at a web page -> use `fetch`.
- Viewing an image -> use `fetch(inline=True)`.
Returns:
- markdown (default): where the file was saved, its size and type.
- json: {url, saved_path, media_type, bytes_size, sha256, expires_in_hours}.
An expires_in_hours value of 0 means TTL cleanup is disabled.
Retention: files older than SEARCH_MCP_DOWNLOAD_TTL_HOURS (default 24) are
deleted before the next download and at startup. A value of 0 disables TTL
cleanup. Otherwise, treat the path as short-lived and copy it elsewhere if
you need to keep it.
Args:
url: Absolute http(s) URL of the file to save.
format: "markdown" or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| url | Yes | ||
| format | No | markdown |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Beyond annotations, the description discloses filesystem effects, default-enabled behavior, environment variable controls, auto-expiring paths, TTL cleanup, and return details. This is substantial additive transparency consistent with readOnlyHint=false and there is no contradiction with the annotations.
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 organized into clear labeled sections (best for, not recommended, returns, retention, args) with no filler. The core action is front-loaded, and every section earns its place by providing actionable 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?
Given the lack of an output schema, the description provides both markdown and JSON return shapes, including the sha256 and expiry fields. It also covers retention, configuration, and use cases, making it complete enough for an agent to invoke safely and 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?
With 0% schema description coverage, the description compensates by specifying that url must be an absolute http(s) URL and by explaining format through the Returns section. It could go slightly deeper on format semantics, but the return value details largely close the gap.
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: 'Save a file from a URL to a local, auto-expiring download directory.' It clearly differentiates from siblings like read_doc and fetch by saying it keeps an actual file rather than parsing content or viewing a page.
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 'Best for' and 'Not recommended for' sections explicitly name alternatives: read_doc for document content, fetch for web pages, and fetch(inline=True) for images. This gives an agent unambiguous when-to-use versus when-not-to-use guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
enginesList available search enginesARead-onlyIdempotent
List the available sources, grouped by what they index.
Best for:
- Choosing a source deliberately: which one indexes filings, or preprints,
or Chinese-language pages.
- Checking a name before passing it to `engines=` on `search` / `research`.
Not recommended for:
- Calling on every search: the list is static, so read it once.
Returns (markdown): a `group -> sub-group -> engine` tree, one line of
description per engine. `group="paper"` restricts it to that group.
Returns (json): `{"engines": [...names...], "taxonomy": {...},
"descriptions": {...}}`.
Prefer `category=` over `engines=`. `category="paper"` WIDENS: it routes to
one specialist per sub-group. A dotted sub-group NARROWS: `"paper.biomed"`
queries only the biomedical indexes. Naming engines explicitly turns that
routing off entirely, so reach for it only to force a specific source.
Common mistakes:
- Passing one of these names as `query`: they belong in `engines=`.
- Passing a key-only engine with no key configured; it returns an
actionable error, not results.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| group | No | ||
| format | No | markdown |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already mark the tool read-only and idempotent, and the description adds genuinely useful behavioral context: the list is static and should be read once, returns can be markdown or JSON, and key-only engines produce actionable errors. This goes well beyond what annotations convey.
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?
Although long, the description is tightly organized with functional headers, scannable bullet-ish sections, and every sentence adds routing or error-avoidance value. The core purpose is front-loaded, and the detailed guidance is where an agent needs it.
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 read-only list tool with two optional parameters and no output schema, this description is complete: it explains when to use it, what the parameters do, what output format to expect, and likely failure modes. No critical calling information is missing.
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 carries the full burden of explaining parameters. It clarifies `group` values, how dotted sub-groups narrow, how `category=` differs from `engines=`, and what both markdown and JSON output shapes look like. This compensates fully for the schema's lack of parameter descriptions.
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 states the tool lists available sources/engines grouped by what they index, which is specific and immediately distinct from siblings like `search`, `research`, and `fetch`. It names the resource and the organizing principle without ambiguity.
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 explicit best-for scenarios, a not-recommended scenario, and detailed routing guidance comparing `category=` vs `engines=` and group/sub-group semantics. It also lists common mistakes, giving an agent both positive and negative selection criteria.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
extract_structuredExtract structured data from a URLARead-onlyIdempotent
Pull JSON-LD, OpenGraph, Twitter cards, and microdata from a web page.
Best for:
- Product pages (price, currency, availability, brand, rating).
- Article pages (author, publish date, image, headline).
- Recipe / event / video pages where rich metadata IS the answer.
- Cases where `fetch` returns prose but you need fields.
Not recommended for:
- Just reading a page -> use `fetch`.
- PDFs / DOCX -> use `read_doc`.
- Pages that don't publish schema.org metadata (most blogs): you'll get
empty lists; fall back to `fetch`.
Returns:
- json: {url, json_ld:[], microdata:[], opengraph:[], rdfa:[]}. Twitter
card meta tags are surfaced inside the `opengraph` list.
- markdown (default): a flattened key/value view with each block printed
as a JSON code block under its syntax heading.
Common mistakes:
- Calling on every URL "just in case": most sites have no structured
data, and `fetch` is what you actually want.
Args:
url: Absolute http(s) URL.
format: "markdown" (default) or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| url | Yes | ||
| format | No | markdown |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, and idempotentHint. The description adds value beyond these: it discloses the return format details (JSON key structure, markdown flattening behavior), the Twitter-card-inside-opengraph quirk, and the open-world caveat that most pages yield empty lists. No contradiction with annotations.
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?
Well-organized with clear section headers (Best for, Not recommended, Returns, Common mistakes, Args). It is longer than minimal, but each section earns its place and the core purpose is front-loaded. Slightly verbose but purposefully structured.
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?
Complete for a multi-format extraction tool with no output schema. The description carries the return-format burden itself, listing the JSON keys, the markdown default behavior, and parameter meanings. It also sets expectations about empty results. An agent has everything needed 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?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate — and it does. The Args section clarifies that url must be an 'Absolute http(s) URL' (a constraint not in the schema) and explains format's options and default. This adds real meaning beyond the bare schema definitions.
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-resource pair: 'Pull JSON-LD, OpenGraph, Twitter cards, and microdata from a web page.' It lists the exact data formats extracted, and distinguishes itself from siblings by name (fetch, read_doc), making the tool's identity unambiguous.
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?
Exceptionally explicit. It provides 'Best for' scenarios (product, article, recipe/event/video pages), 'Not recommended for' cases with named alternatives (use fetch, use read_doc), and a 'Common mistakes' warning that most sites lack structured data and fetch is preferred. Nothing is left to inference.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fetchFetch a URL: page text, document, or resourceARead-onlyIdempotent
Fetch one URL: page text, or a description of a non-text resource.
Handles any http(s) resource, not just HTML:
- HTML pages -> reader-mode Markdown (nav/footer/scripts stripped).
- PDF/DOCX/XLSX/PPTX/EPUB/CSV/code/archives -> parsed text (same engine as
`read_doc`, which you should prefer when you need pagination).
- Images, video, audio, fonts, opaque binaries -> a description
(media type, byte size, dimensions, sha256), NOT the bytes.
Best for:
- You already have a URL (from `search`, the user, or your own knowledge)
and need the actual page text.
- Verifying a single claim by reading the source.
- Checking what a resource IS before deciding to spend tokens on it.
Not recommended for:
- Multiple URLs at once -> use `fetch_batch` (concurrent, one round-trip).
- "Search then read top N" -> use `research` (one call, not two).
- Long documents you need to page through -> use `read_doc` (start/length).
- You don't have a URL yet -> use `search` first.
Returns:
- markdown (default): a small header (URL, render method, token count)
plus the cleaned page body.
- json: {url, title, content, method, truncated, tokens_estimated,
author, published_date, sitename}, plus {media_type, bytes_size, sha256,
width, height} for non-text resources.
- With `inline=True` on an image: the image itself, viewable by a
vision-capable model.
Common mistakes:
- Passing a search query instead of a URL.
- Using `render="http"` on a JS-only SPA: it returns near-empty content;
use "auto" (default) or "browser".
- Setting `inline=True` on a large image out of habit. A 1MB image costs
well over a thousand tokens; fetch it plainly first and inline only if
the description says it's worth looking at.
- Forgetting that results are cached 7 days: use `force_refresh=True`
or `max_age_hours=0` for a fresh pull. The header says `cached N days ago`
when you are not looking at the live page; for deadlines, prices and
anything else that moves, that is the cue to refresh.
- Reading `no publication date found` as "recent". It means unknown.
Args:
url: Absolute http(s) URL.
render: "auto" (try HTTP, fall back to stealth Chromium), "http"
(fast, fails on JS), "browser" (slow, robust).
force_refresh: Bypass the page cache entirely.
max_age_hours: Treat cached pages older than this as a miss. 0 = same
as force_refresh. None = server default TTL (7 days).
inline: For images only. Returns the image itself instead of a
description, so a vision-capable model can see it. Ignored for
text resources.
format: "markdown" or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| url | Yes | ||
| format | No | markdown | |
| inline | No | ||
| render | No | auto | |
| force_refresh | No | ||
| max_age_hours | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, and idempotentHint, and the description adds extensive context beyond them: cache behavior with 7-day TTL and force_refresh semantics, render mode differences including caveats for JS-only SPAs, inline image token costs, and the meaning of 'no publication date found'. No contradictions with annotations.
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 lengthy but densely structured with clear headers, bullet lists, and code-style naming. Every section adds actionable information: return formats, common mistakes, and parameter semantics. No redundant fluff; the structure makes the length digestible.
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 complex tool with six parameters and no output schema, the description is remarkably complete. It covers input requirements, output shapes for markdown and json, non-text resource descriptions, caching, render strategies, and failure-prone usage patterns. An agent has everything needed to invoke this tool 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?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description carries the full burden, and it delivers a detailed Args section explaining every parameter, including defaults (render='auto', format='markdown') and nuanced behavior (max_age_hours=0 means force_refresh, None means server TTL). This fully compensates for the schema's lack of descriptions.
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: 'Fetch one URL: page text, or a description of a non-text resource.' It clearly identifies what the tool does and differentiates it from siblings by listing what it is not (batch fetch, research, read_doc). An agent can select it correctly.
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 provides explicit 'Best for' and 'Not recommended for' sections, naming alternatives like fetch_batch, research, read_doc, and search with precise conditions. This is exactly the level of guidance needed to route the agent to the right tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fetch_batchFetch many URLs concurrentlyARead-onlyIdempotent
Fetch a list of URLs in parallel. Per-URL failures do not raise.
Best for:
- 2+ URLs you want to read in one round-trip.
- Reading the top N results of a previous `search` call.
Not recommended for:
- A single URL -> `fetch` (no list-wrapping overhead).
- "Search and then read" -> `research` collapses both into one tool call.
- PDFs/DOCX -> `read_doc` per file.
Returns:
- markdown (default): each page rendered as a Markdown section, separated
by horizontal rules; failed URLs become inline error notes.
- json: list[dict], one entry per URL, with `error` set on failures.
Common mistakes:
- Passing a single URL inside a 1-element list: use `fetch` directly.
- Assuming an exception means the whole batch failed; check each item's
`error` field instead.
Args:
urls: List of absolute http(s) URLs (max 20 per call).
render: Same as `fetch`.
format: "markdown" or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| urls | Yes | ||
| format | No | markdown | |
| render | No | auto |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, and idempotentHint, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds crucial behavioral details: per-URL failures do not raise exceptions, the markdown output embeds inline error notes, and the JSON format includes an error field per entry. It also warns against common mistakes, exceeding what annotations alone convey.
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 organized into labeled sections (Best for, Not recommended, Returns, Common mistakes, Args) that are easy to scan. Every sentence adds value—there is no filler. The core purpose is stated first, and the detailed subsections are appropriately sequenced.
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 there is no output schema, the description fully specifies the two return formats (markdown sections with inline errors, and JSON list with error fields). It covers edge cases (single URL, failed items, maximum batch size) and references sibling tools for alternatives. An agent has everything needed to invoke 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?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description carries the full burden. It explains each parameter: urls as absolute http(s) with a max of 20, render as 'Same as fetch' (referencing the sibling), and format with its two allowed values. It also clarifies the failure semantics associated with the urls parameter, which the schema 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 opens with a specific verb and resource ('Fetch a list of URLs in parallel') and immediately differentiates itself from siblings by naming fetch, research, and read_doc with explicit conditions. The purpose is unambiguous and the scope is clearly bounded.
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 provides a 'Best for' section listing concrete scenarios (2+ URLs, top N results of a search) and a 'Not recommended for' section with explicit alternatives (single URL -> fetch, search-and-read -> research, PDFs/DOCX -> read_doc). This gives an agent clear decision criteria for tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
paper_graphWalk a paper's citation graphARead-onlyIdempotent
Follow the citations of ONE paper, and check whether it still stands.
`search` finds papers that MENTION your words. This follows the edges
instead: what a specific paper built on, and what has built on it since.
Best for:
- Checking a citation before repeating it: is the DOI real, and has the
paper been retracted or corrected?
- "What happened after this result": citing works come back ordered by how
much the field cited them, so a 2019 paper leads to the current state of
the art rather than to the most recent preprint about it.
- Building a reading list backwards from one good paper.
Not recommended for:
- Finding papers by topic -> `search(category="paper")`, or a sub-group
like `"paper.biomed"` / `"paper.cs"` / `"paper.preprint"`.
- Reading the paper itself -> `read_doc` on the returned URL.
Returns:
- markdown (default): the paper with its retraction/correction notices,
then "References" and "Cited by" sections.
- json: {paper, references, citations, notes}, where `paper.crossref`
carries `registered` and every post-publication `notices` entry.
Common mistakes:
- Passing a topic instead of a paper. A title resolves to its single best
match; a phrase that names no specific paper resolves to the wrong one.
- Reading an empty `citations` list as "uncited" when `notes` says the
lookup was truncated.
Args:
paper: DOI (`10.1145/1571941.1572114`, or a doi.org URL), an OpenAlex
ID (`W2148972377`), or the paper's exact title.
direction: "both", "references" (what it cites) or "citations" (what
cites it).
limit: Max neighbours per direction, 1-50.
format: "markdown" or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | ||
| paper | Yes | ||
| format | No | markdown | |
| direction | No | both |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations provide readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, and idempotentHint, but the description adds substantial behavioral context: retraction/correction notices, citation ordering by field impact, truncation behavior in citations list, and specific return format details. It also explains the 'notes' field for truncated lookups. No contradictions with annotations.
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?
Though lengthy, the description is meticulously structured with headers, bullet lists, and code blocks. The core purpose and differentiation are front-loaded, and every section (Best for, Not recommended, Returns, Common mistakes) provides non-redundant, actionable 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?
Given there is no output schema, the description fully explains both markdown and json return formats, including nested fields like paper.crossref and notices. It covers edge cases like truncated citations and retraction notices, ensuring an agent has all necessary information to invoke the tool 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?
Schema coverage is 0%, so the description fully compensates. It explains the paper parameter with concrete examples (DOI, OpenAlex ID, exact title), the direction enum with meanings, the limit range (1-50), and format with return-type implications. This goes far beyond the schema's bare definitions.
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 the specific verb 'follow the citations' and the resource 'ONE paper', clearly differentiating from search which finds mentions. It also explains the distinction between edge-following and text-matching, making the purpose unambiguous.
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?
Explicitly provides 'Best for' and 'Not recommended for' sections, naming alternatives like search(category=...), read_doc, and giving concrete scenarios. Also includes 'Common mistakes' that warn against passing topics instead of papers, which directly guides correct usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
read_docRead a remote (or sandboxed local) documentARead-onlyIdempotent
Read an http(s) document (or a sandboxed local file) into Markdown.
Best for:
- Remote PDFs and DOCX from an http(s) URL (parsed locally, no remote API).
- Local PDF/DOCX/text/Markdown files, ONLY when local reads are enabled
(see Security below).
- Paginating through a long document via `start` / `length`.
Not recommended for:
- Arbitrary HTML web pages -> `fetch` does reader-mode cleanup that this
tool does not.
- Pages discovered through search -> `fetch` or `research`.
Security (local files are sandboxed and OFF by default):
- Local-file reads are DISABLED unless the server operator sets the
SEARCH_MCP_DOCUMENT_ROOT env var to a directory. With it unset, a local
path raises a "local file reads are disabled" error. Pass an http(s)
URL instead, or ask the operator to enable the sandbox.
- When enabled, `source` must resolve INSIDE that root; relative paths
resolve against the root (not the process CWD) and any `..` traversal
that escapes the root is rejected. `file://` URLs are always rejected.
- Remote http(s) sources are unaffected by this setting.
Returns:
- markdown (default): rendered document text with a small header.
- json: {content, title, format, total_chars, start, returned_chars,
truncated}. Use `total_chars` and `returned_chars` to drive pagination.
Common mistakes:
- Calling this on a normal article URL: you'll get raw HTML noise. Use
`fetch` instead.
- Forgetting to advance `start` when paginating: next call should pass
`start = previous_start + returned_chars`.
- Passing a negative `length` (raises an error) or a `start` past the end
(clamped to EOF: you'll get `returned_chars == 0`, `start == total_chars`,
and `truncated == False`, which is the signal you've paged off the end).
Args:
source: http(s) URL, or a local path UNDER SEARCH_MCP_DOCUMENT_ROOT when
local reads are enabled (disabled by default; see Security).
start: Character offset to begin reading from. Default 0. Clamped into
[0, total_chars]; a negative value is treated as 0.
length: Max characters to return; None = read to end (still capped by
the per-call max content size). Must be >= 0. A negative length
is rejected with a ValueError.
format: "markdown" or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| start | No | ||
| format | No | markdown | |
| length | No | ||
| source | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations provide readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, and idempotentHint, but the description goes far beyond them: it details sandboxing rules (env var requirement, path traversal rejection, file:// rejection), error behavior (disabled error, negative length ValueError), clamping semantics, and the exact pagination signal (`returned_chars == 0`). This is rich behavioral context that annotations alone could never convey.
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 long but every section serves a purpose: 'Best for' and 'Not recommended for' give usage guidance, 'Security' explains the critical env var behavior, 'Returns' details output formats, 'Common mistakes' prevents misusage, and 'Args' is a compact parameter reference. It front-loads the core purpose in the first line and organizes details logically, earning its length.
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?
This is a genuinely complex tool (remote vs local, pagination, security, multiple output formats), yet the description covers every aspect needed to call it correctly: input expectations, edge cases (clamping, negative length), output structure (markdown header, json fields), and how to detect end-of-document. With no output schema present, the description fully substitutes that information. Nothing essential is missing.
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?
With schema description coverage at 0%, the description fully compensates. The Args section explains each parameter: source's format and security constraints, start's default and clamping behavior, length's range and rejection condition, and format's enum meaning. It also provides the json return fields to drive pagination, making each parameter's role crystal clear.
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 opening line states a specific verb and resource ('Read an http(s) document or sandboxed local file into Markdown'), and the 'Best for' / 'Not recommended for' sections explicitly differentiate it from siblings like fetch and research. An agent can immediately tell what this tool does and what it doesn't.
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?
There are explicit usage recommendations with named alternatives: 'Not recommended for: Arbitrary HTML web pages -> `fetch` does reader-mode cleanup...' and 'Pages discovered through search -> `fetch` or `research`.' It also explains the crucial security prerequisite for local files. No ambiguity remains.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
researchSearch and read in one callARead-only
One-shot research: search the web, fetch the top results, return both.
Best for:
- Open-ended questions that need finding sources AND reading them
("what's new with X", "summarize the controversy around Y").
- Replacing a `search` + N x `fetch` chain with one call.
- Producing a citable brief with [n]-style source references.
Not recommended for:
- You only need links -> `search` (cheaper, no fetching).
- You only need to read one URL you already have -> `fetch`.
- You want to query previously-fetched cached pages -> `cache_search`.
- Checking or expanding one paper's citations -> `paper_graph`.
Returns:
- markdown (default): a "Research brief" with a Sources index then the
full Markdown body of each fetched document, separated by horizontal
rules; includes a token estimate.
- json: {question, engines, sources:[{rank,title,url,snippet,...}],
documents:[...], tokens_estimated, errors}.
Common mistakes:
- Using `depth=8` for a quick lookup: that's 8 page fetches, and 2-3 is
almost always enough.
- Calling `research` for a known URL: that is what `fetch` is for.
- Forgetting that `fetch=False` returns sources only (much cheaper if
the LLM only needs to pick which one to read).
Args:
question: What you want to know, in natural language.
depth: How many top results to fetch (1-8). 3 is a good default.
engines: Override the engine set (see `engines()` for names). Prefer
`category=`. Naming engines turns category routing off.
fetch: If False, return source list without reading them.
freshness: "day"|"week"|"month"|"year". Restricts to recent results.
Best-effort; undated results are kept rather than dropped.
include_domains: Restrict to these domains (e.g. ["python.org"]).
exclude_domains: Drop results from these domains.
category: Which KIND of source to search; a bare group widens, a dotted
sub-group narrows. Same values as `search`; see `engines()`.
include_text: Substring required in title or snippet (case-insensitive).
exclude_text: Substring forbidden in title or snippet.
use_cache: Reuse cached search/page data within TTL.
max_age_hours: Treat cached search results AND cached page bodies older
than this as a read miss; fresh data is always written back. 0 =
force-refresh both the engine search and every fetched page body;
None = server default TTL (7 days). A non-zero value is honored for
both halves (it used to be ignored for anything but 0).
format: "markdown" or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| depth | No | ||
| fetch | No | ||
| format | No | markdown | |
| engines | No | ||
| category | No | ||
| question | Yes | ||
| freshness | No | ||
| use_cache | No | ||
| exclude_text | No | ||
| include_text | No | ||
| max_age_hours | No | ||
| exclude_domains | No | ||
| include_domains | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations declare readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=true, but the description goes far beyond that: it discloses fetch behavior, cache semantics (use_cache, max_age_hours with 0 vs None), freshness handling, the difference between markdown and json return formats, the effect of fetch=False, and even behavioral nuances like 'Naming engines turns category routing off'. It also explains that non-zero max_age_hours is honored for both halves, correcting a past behavior. This is rich, accurate, and does not contradict the annotations.
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 long but impeccably structured: a one-line summary, then 'Best for', 'Not recommended for', 'Returns', 'Common mistakes', and 'Args' sections. Every sentence adds value—even the 'Common mistakes' section reinforces the usage guidelines. It is front-loaded with the core purpose, and the Args section is efficiently organized with one-line-per-parameter explanations. Nothing is redundant.
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 tool's complexity (13 parameters, no output schema) and the absence of an output schema, the description covers everything an agent needs: return formats (markdown vs json) with descriptions, parameter semantics, usage guidance, and even error handling (json 'errors' field). It also provides token estimates and source structure, making it self-contained for correct invocation.
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 carries full responsibility for parameter meaning. It does this exceptionally: each of the 13 parameters is explained in natural language with defaults, effects, and interactions (e.g., depth=3 as good default, engines override category routing, include_text substring semantics). This far exceeds the schema's basic types and enums.
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 opening line 'One-shot research: search the web, fetch the top results, return both' states a specific verb+resource and a composite action. It distinguishes itself from siblings via the 'Not recommended for' section, naming 'search', 'fetch', and 'cache_search' with explicit conditions. This leaves no ambiguity about what the tool does.
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 'Best for' and 'Not recommended for' sections are explicit, concrete, and name the exact sibling tools to use instead (search, fetch, cache_search, paper_graph) with the conditions that select them. It even gives example use cases and common mistakes (e.g., using depth=8 for quick lookups), leaving no inference to the agent.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
searchWeb search (multi-engine, no API key)ARead-only
Run a multi-engine web search and return a ranked, deduplicated link list.
Best for:
- Discovery queries ("what is X", "find me X", "who is X").
- Getting a list of URLs you can hand to `fetch` / `fetch_batch` next.
- Topics likely to be after your knowledge cutoff (use `freshness="week"`).
- Filtering to specific domains (`include_domains=["python.org"]`) or
a kind of source (`category="paper"` / `"finance"`, or a sub-group like
`category="paper.biomed"` / `"finance.filings"`; see `engines()` for the
full tree).
- Looking a fact up at its registry, with no category needed: a current
version or support end date ("latest fastapi version"), a CVE
("CVE-2024-3094": NVD record, OSV advisories, CISA exploited status),
a forecast ("上海明天天气"), an exchange rate ("100 usd to cny": ECB, and
the PBOC parity for 人民币), a coin price, a country indicator ("china
gdp", "japan population"), public holidays ("2026年放假安排"), the current
time in a city, a domain's expiry, a company's legal entity, an iOS
app's version, Wikidata facts ("Shanghai population"). The source that
fits the words joins the search and its record arrives as the first
result with the publisher's date in `dated …`, so it can be cited
without a fetch. Name the thing plainly. `category=` ("software",
"security", "weather", "finance.fx", "stats", "calendar", "reference",
"docs", "gov") asks the same sources explicitly.
Not recommended for:
- You already know the URL -> use `fetch` instead.
- You want both links AND their full text in one call -> use `research`.
- You want to query pages already in the local cache -> use `cache_search`.
- Reading PDFs/DOCX from a known URL -> use `read_doc`.
- Following one paper's references or citations -> use `paper_graph`.
Returns:
- markdown (default): numbered list of `n. title`, `<url>`, snippet. About 40%
fewer tokens than json.
- json: dict with `results` (list of {title,url,snippet,engines,score}),
`engines`, `cached`, optional `errors` map, optional `hint` string.
`engines` is what was actually ASKED for this answer; each result's own
`engines` is what found it. A default engine that failed recently is not
asked and appears under `benched_engines` instead; a rescue pass that
substituted a source appears as `rescued_via`.
Common mistakes:
- Answering from snippets. A snippet is an engine's summary of a page as it
looked when crawled: it drops qualifiers and is often years old. Use
`search` to find the URL, then read the page (`fetch`, `research`) for
any date, amount, rule, deadline or number you will state.
- Treating a result as recent because `freshness=` was set. The filter keeps
undated results; the header says how many could be dated (`dated: 3/10`)
and each result is marked `dated …`, `… (from snippet text)` or `undated`.
- Passing a URL as `query`: that is `fetch`'s job.
- Cranking `max_results` up hoping for better recall; engines cap around
10-20 each, anything beyond is duplicate noise (and 50 is the ceiling).
- Naming engines by default. The default pool is already the set that works
keylessly over plain HTTP, it benches an engine that starts failing and
seats a reserve when it gets thin, and naming engines switches all of
that, and `category=` routing, off. Name engines when you want a
specific index: `engines=["so360","baidu"]` for Chinese-language sites,
`engines=["brave"]` or `["startpage"]` (both need the browser) for a
second opinion.
- Using `category="news"` for breaking news without also setting
`freshness="day"`: the index lags by days.
Args:
query: Natural-language query (the same string a human would type).
engines: Subset of `engines()`. None (recommended) = the health-aware
default pool: duckduckgo, bing, anysearch and mojeek, plus
googlenews when `freshness` is "day"/"week" and a Chinese index for
a Chinese query.
max_results: Merged result count after dedup, clamped to 1-50. It is
also the PER-ENGINE budget, so it multiplies across the fan-out;
5-20 is the useful range and anything past that is duplicate noise
bought with real latency. Omit it for the configured default.
use_cache: Reuse the last result for this exact (query, engines,
max_results, AND all active filters: freshness, include/exclude
domains, category, include/exclude text) within the cache TTL.
Changing any filter is a different cache entry. False forces a
re-fetch.
max_age_hours: Treat cached results older than this as a read miss; a
fresh result is ALWAYS written back to the cache regardless of this
value, so caching is never disabled. Use 0 to force-refresh while
keeping cache writes; None = use server default TTL (7 days).
freshness: "day"|"week"|"month"|"year". Restricts to recent results.
Best-effort: applied as an engine time-window param AND a client-side
date check, but most HTML-engine results carry no parseable date, so
undated results are kept rather than dropped (unknown != old). Treat
it as a strong hint, not a hard filter; googlenews dates are exact.
include_domains: List of domains to restrict to (e.g. ["python.org"]).
exclude_domains: List of domains to exclude.
category: Which KIND of source to search. The enum lists every value.
A bare group widens: "paper" adds one specialist per sub-group to the
default web pool. A dotted sub-group narrows to just the sources that
index it ("paper.biomed" => the biomedical indexes only). It also
RERANKS: engines that natively index the category count double in
the fusion, so the filing outranks the commentary about it, and a
record looked up by the query (a PyPI release, a CVE, an ECB rate,
a forecast) counts five times, so it leads the list. Call
`engines()` for the group -> sub-group -> engine tree with a line on
each source. Two behaviours worth knowing: "image"/"dataset" REPLACE
the web pool rather than augment it (a web engine cannot return an
image file), and "news"/"paper"/"forum"/"github"/"blog" also filter
general-web hits by hostname, so a strict category can thin those
engines out. The specialists it routes to are exempt.
include_text: Substring required in title or snippet (case-insensitive).
exclude_text: Substring forbidden in title or snippet.
format: "markdown" (default) or "json".
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | ||
| format | No | markdown | |
| engines | No | ||
| category | No | ||
| freshness | No | ||
| use_cache | No | ||
| max_results | No | ||
| exclude_text | No | ||
| include_text | No | ||
| max_age_hours | No | ||
| exclude_domains | No | ||
| include_domains | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations only declare readOnly/openWorld; the description adds extensive behavioral context: no API key needed, health-aware default engine pool, engine benching and rescue, cache TTL and write-through behavior, best-effort freshness semantics, category reranking, and snippet staleness warnings. There is no contradiction with annotations.
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 well-structured with clear headings and front-loads purpose and use cases. It is long and somewhat redundant — Best-for examples and Common mistakes restate guidance already present in Args — but the length is justified by the tool's 12 parameters and subtle behaviors.
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?
No output schema exists, so the Returns section is essential; it fully describes markdown and JSON shapes, result fields, engine attribution, and dated/undated markers. Combined with complete parameter documentation and explicit sibling routing, an agent has everything needed to invoke this tool 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?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the Args section carries the full burden. It explains all 12 parameters with defaults, edge cases, and warnings: per-engine max_results budget, exact cache-key composition, freshness as a hint not hard filter, and category widening/narrowing semantics.
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 first sentence states a specific verb, resource, and outcome: 'Run a multi-engine web search and return a ranked, deduplicated link list.' The 'Not recommended for' section explicitly names sibling tools (fetch, research, cache_search, read_doc, paper_graph), making this tool distinguishable without needing to inspect schemas.
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 has explicit 'Best for' and 'Not recommended for' sections, each naming concrete scenarios and the correct alternative tool. It also gives tactical guidance such as using freshness for post-cutoff topics, category selection, and when to name engines explicitly.
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.
10 tool updates
v0.12.0- Changed
cache_search1 field changed- changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "items": { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - }, - "type": "array" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "cache_searchOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Changed
compare1 field changed- changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "compareOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Changed
download1 field changed- changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "downloadOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Changed
engines3 fields changed- added
Input schema / properties / formatAdded value: +{ + "default": "markdown", + "enum": [ + "markdown", + "json" + ], + "title": "Format", + "type": "string" +} - added
Input schema / properties / groupAdded value: +{ + "anyOf": [ + { + "enum": [ + "web", + "news", + "paper", + "github", + "forum", + "image", + "dataset", + "finance", + "software", + "security", + "reference", + "weather", + "docs", + "gov", + "stats", + "calendar" + ], + "type": "string" + }, + { + "enum": [ + "news", + "pdf", + "github", + "paper", + "forum", + "blog", + "image", + "dataset", + "finance", + "software", + "security", + "reference", + "weather", + "docs", + "gov", + "stats", + "calendar", + "news.world", + "paper.index", + "paper.preprint", + "paper.biomed", + "paper.cs", + "paper.math", + "paper.openaccess", + "paper.trial", + "dataset.repository", + "dataset.ml", + "dataset.gov", + "finance.filings", + "finance.market", + "finance.macro", + "finance.fx", + "finance.entity", + "finance.crypto", + "software.lifecycle", + "software.github", + "software.python", + "software.node", + "software.rust", + "software.registry", + "software.app", + "security.cve", + "security.package", + "security.exploited", + "reference.domain", + "docs.web", + "docs.rfc", + "gov.us", + "gov.uk", + "stats.indicator", + "calendar.holidays", + "calendar.clock" + ], + "type": "string" + }, + { + "type": "null" + } + ], + "default": null, + "title": "Group" +} - changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "items": { - "type": "string" - }, - "title": "Result", - "type": "array" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "enginesOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Changed
extract_structured1 field changed- changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "extract_structuredOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Changed
fetch_batch1 field changed- changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "items": { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - }, - "type": "array" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "fetch_batchOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Added
paper_graph - Changed
read_doc1 field changed- changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "read_docOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Changed
research2 fields changed- changed
Input schema / properties / category / anyOfPrevious value: -[ - { - "enum": [ - "news", - "pdf", - "github", - "paper", - "forum", - "blog", - "image", - "dataset" - ], - "type": "string" - }, - { - "type": "null" - } -]New value: +[ + { + "enum": [ + "news", + "pdf", + "github", + "paper", + "forum", + "blog", + "image", + "dataset", + "finance", + "software", + "security", + "reference", + "weather", + "docs", + "gov", + "stats", + "calendar", + "news.world", + "paper.index", + "paper.preprint", + "paper.biomed", + "paper.cs", + "paper.math", + "paper.openaccess", + "paper.trial", + "dataset.repository", + "dataset.ml", + "dataset.gov", + "finance.filings", + "finance.market", + "finance.macro", + "finance.fx", + "finance.entity", + "finance.crypto", + "software.lifecycle", + "software.github", + "software.python", + "software.node", + "software.rust", + "software.registry", + "software.app", + "security.cve", + "security.package", + "security.exploited", + "reference.domain", + "docs.web", + "docs.rfc", + "gov.us", + "gov.uk", + "stats.indicator", + "calendar.holidays", + "calendar.clock" + ], + "type": "string" + }, + { + "type": "null" + } +] - changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "researchOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Changed
search2 fields changed- changed
Input schema / properties / category / anyOfPrevious value: -[ - { - "enum": [ - "news", - "pdf", - "github", - "paper", - "forum", - "blog", - "image", - "dataset" - ], - "type": "string" - }, - { - "type": "null" - } -]New value: +[ + { + "enum": [ + "news", + "pdf", + "github", + "paper", + "forum", + "blog", + "image", + "dataset", + "finance", + "software", + "security", + "reference", + "weather", + "docs", + "gov", + "stats", + "calendar", + "news.world", + "paper.index", + "paper.preprint", + "paper.biomed", + "paper.cs", + "paper.math", + "paper.openaccess", + "paper.trial", + "dataset.repository", + "dataset.ml", + "dataset.gov", + "finance.filings", + "finance.market", + "finance.macro", + "finance.fx", + "finance.entity", + "finance.crypto", + "software.lifecycle", + "software.github", + "software.python", + "software.node", + "software.rust", + "software.registry", + "software.app", + "security.cve", + "security.package", + "security.exploited", + "reference.domain", + "docs.web", + "docs.rfc", + "gov.us", + "gov.uk", + "stats.indicator", + "calendar.holidays", + "calendar.clock" + ], + "type": "string" + }, + { + "type": "null" + } +] - changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "searchOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
4 tool updates
v0.9.1- Added
download - Changed
fetch2 fields changed- added
Input schema / properties / inlineAdded value: +{ + "default": false, + "title": "Inline", + "type": "boolean" +} - changed
Output schema / (root)Previous value: -{ - "properties": { - "result": { - "anyOf": [ - { - "type": "string" - }, - { - "additionalProperties": true, - "type": "object" - } - ], - "title": "Result" - } - }, - "required": [ - "result" - ], - "title": "fetchOutput", - "type": "object" -}New value: +null
- Changed
research1 field changed- changed
Input schema / properties / category / anyOfPrevious value: -[ - { - "enum": [ - "news", - "pdf", - "github", - "paper", - "forum", - "blog" - ], - "type": "string" - }, - { - "type": "null" - } -]New value: +[ + { + "enum": [ + "news", + "pdf", + "github", + "paper", + "forum", + "blog", + "image", + "dataset" + ], + "type": "string" + }, + { + "type": "null" + } +]
- Changed
search1 field changed- changed
Input schema / properties / category / anyOfPrevious value: -[ - { - "enum": [ - "news", - "pdf", - "github", - "paper", - "forum", - "blog" - ], - "type": "string" - }, - { - "type": "null" - } -]New value: +[ + { + "enum": [ + "news", + "pdf", + "github", + "paper", + "forum", + "blog", + "image", + "dataset" + ], + "type": "string" + }, + { + "type": "null" + } +]
2 tool updates
v0.2.0- Added
compare - Added
extract_structured
7 tool updates
v0.1.0- First observed
cache_search - First observed
engines - First observed
fetch - First observed
fetch_batch - First observed
read_doc - First observed
research - First observed
search
TDQS
Scored across 11 tools
Each tool serves a clearly distinct purpose: search for discovery, fetch for single URLs, fetch_batch for multiple URLs, read_doc for document parsing/pagination, research for search+read combo, paper_graph for citation graphs, cache_search for local cache search, engines for engine metadata, compare for side-by-side comparison, extract_structured for metadata, and download for file storage. Cross-references between tools clarify boundaries, so misselection is unlikely.
Tool names are all lowercase with underscores, but the pattern isn't uniform: some are simple verbs (fetch, search, research, compare, download), while others are compound (fetch_batch, read_doc, cache_search, paper_graph, extract_structured, engines). This is still predictable and readable, with no mixing of camelCase or inconsistent verb styles, so it's just a minor deviation from a fully consistent verb_noun pattern.
With 11 tools, the server is well-scoped for its purpose (web search, fetching, reading, and research). Each tool earns its place, covering distinct workflows without redundancy. The count is within the ideal 3-15 range, so it feels neither thin nor bloated.
The tool surface comprehensively covers the domain: discovery (search, research, engines), fetching (fetch, fetch_batch), reading (read_doc, fetch), local cache querying (cache_search), specialized tasks (paper_graph, extract_structured, compare, download), and pagination. There are no obvious gaps—any common search/read/research workflow has a dedicated tool or a clear combination, and even edge cases like metadata extraction and download are handled.
Maintenance
Related MCP Connectors
Free web search for AI agents. No API key required. Hosted MCP in active development.
Docs: https://docs.keenable.ai/mcp-server Keenable is a free, remote MCP server that gives agents access to the web index. Search the web with ranked results and date/site filters, then fetch any indexed page as clean markdown. Works out of the box with no account or API key.
MCP server for Firecrawl — web search, scraping, and biomedical/arXiv paper search.
317,522Multi-engine search for AI agents. Trust scoring, local corpus, MCP-native. Self-hostable, BYOK.
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