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Canvas MCP Server

by vishalsachdev
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
Python
Local

reply_to_discussion_entry

Post a reply to a specific discussion entry in a Canvas course using the course ID, topic ID, entry ID, and message content.

Instructions

Reply to a student's discussion entry/comment.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
messageYesReply message content
entry_idYesDiscussion entry ID to reply to
topic_idYesDiscussion topic ID
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. Changed13 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 / entry_id / description
      Added value: +"Discussion entry ID to reply to"
    • removedInput schema / properties / entry_id / title
      Removed value: -"Entry Id"
    • addedInput schema / properties / message / description
      Added value: +"Reply message content"
    • removedInput schema / properties / message / title
      Removed value: -"Message"
    • 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: -"reply_to_discussion_entryArguments"
    • removedOutput schema / properties / result / title
      Removed value: -"Result"
    • removedOutput schema / title
      Removed value: -"reply_to_discussion_entryOutput"
    • addedOutput schema / x-fastmcp-wrap-result
      Added value: +true
  3. Changed1 schema field changedv1.0.0
    • addedInput schema / title
      Added value: +"reply_to_discussion_entryArguments"
  4. First observed

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations provide idempotentHint=false and destructiveHint=false, which are minimal. The description adds no behavioral context beyond the action itself—no mention of permissions, whether the reply is visible immediately, or any side effects. With sparse annotations, the description could have added more, but it doesn't contradict them.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is a single, concise sentence that front-loads the purpose. No wasted words, but it could have added a bit more context without becoming verbose.

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

Completeness3/5

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

For a simple mutation tool with full schema coverage and no output schema, the description is adequate but not complete. It doesn't explain what happens after replying (e.g., confirmation, visibility) or any prerequisites like needing the entry_id from a prior call. Given the tool's simplicity, this is acceptable but not exceptional.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so all four parameters are documented in the schema. The description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond what the schema provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the action ('Reply to a student's discussion entry/comment') with a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes from siblings like post_discussion_entry (which creates a new entry) and get_discussion_entry_details (which reads), though it doesn't explicitly name alternatives.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The description implies usage context (replying to a student's entry) but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this vs. post_discussion_entry or other discussion tools. No exclusions or prerequisites are mentioned.

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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