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vishalsachdev

Canvas MCP Server

by vishalsachdev
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
Python
Local

get_discussion_with_replies

Read-only

Retrieve discussion entries for a Canvas course topic and optionally include detailed replies to see the full conversation.

Instructions

Enhanced function to get discussion entries with optional reply fetching.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
topic_idYesDiscussion topic ID
include_repliesNoFetch detailed replies for all entries (default: False)
course_identifierYesCourse code or Canvas ID

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changedv1.10.0
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -{
-  "properties": {
-    "result": {
-      "type": "string"
-    }
-  },
-  "required": [
-    "result"
-  ],
-  "type": "object",
-  "x-fastmcp-wrap-result": true
-}New value: +null
  2. Changed11 schema fields changedv1.8.0
    • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
      Added value: +false
    • addedInput schema / properties / course_identifier / description
      Added value: +"Course code or Canvas ID"
    • removedInput schema / properties / course_identifier / title
      Removed value: -"Course Identifier"
    • addedInput schema / properties / include_replies / description
      Added value: +"Fetch detailed replies for all entries (default: False)"
    • removedInput schema / properties / include_replies / title
      Removed value: -"Include Replies"
    • addedInput schema / properties / topic_id / description
      Added value: +"Discussion topic ID"
    • removedInput schema / properties / topic_id / title
      Removed value: -"Topic Id"
    • removedInput schema / title
      Removed value: -"get_discussion_with_repliesArguments"
    • removedOutput schema / properties / result / title
      Removed value: -"Result"
    • removedOutput schema / title
      Removed value: -"get_discussion_with_repliesOutput"
    • addedOutput schema / x-fastmcp-wrap-result
      Added value: +true
  3. Changed1 schema field changedv1.0.0
    • addedInput schema / title
      Added value: +"get_discussion_with_repliesArguments"
  4. First observed

TDQS

C2.2/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

The readOnlyHint annotation already establishes the read-only nature. The description adds the 'optional reply fetching' behavior, which is useful, but it does not disclose scope (e.g., whether it returns a single topic or all entries), return format, or performance implications. This is minimal but not contradictory.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness2/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single short sentence but is under-specified rather than concise. It lacks critical details that would make it useful, making it feel incomplete rather than intentionally brief.

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

Completeness2/5

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

There is no output schema, and the description does not clarify what the function returns—whether it returns a discussion topic with nested replies, a list of entries, or something else. Given the optional reply fetching feature, it should describe the response structure to be usable. The description is insufficient for a tool with this complexity.

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?

The schema already provides descriptions for all three parameters (100% coverage). The description's mention of 'optional reply fetching' aligns with include_replies, but it does not add information beyond what the schema states. Baseline score of 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose2/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description says 'get discussion entries' but does not specify whether it fetches a single entry, all entries, or a discussion topic with replies. It uses the vague word 'Enhanced' and does not differentiate from sibling tools like list_discussion_entries or get_discussion_topic_details, which likely have overlapping functionality.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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

There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus the many sibling discussion tools. It only mentions 'optional reply fetching' but does not explain the context in which that is beneficial or when alternative tools should be chosen.

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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