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yanxue06

obsidian-mcp

by yanxue06

Get a note's heading outline

get_outline

Retrieve the heading structure of an Obsidian note including level, text, and line number. Use to navigate long notes efficiently by finding sections without loading the full note content.

Instructions

Return the heading structure of a note (level + text + line number). Use this instead of get_note when you only need to navigate to a section of a long note — it's much smaller in tokens.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathYesVault-relative path.
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the tool returns heading structure and is token-efficient, implying a read-only nature. It could be more explicit about being read-only, but the information is sufficient.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is two sentences, front-loading the core functionality and then providing usage guidance. Every sentence adds value with no redundancy.

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

Completeness5/5

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

For a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description adequately covers purpose, usage, and return format. The mention of specific heading details compensates for the absence of an output schema.

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 single parameter `path` has a schema description ('Vault-relative path.') that already covers its meaning. The description adds no extra detail beyond the schema, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

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

Purpose5/5

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

The description clearly states the tool returns the heading structure with specific details (level, text, line number) and explicitly contrasts with `get_note`, demonstrating strong purpose clarity and sibling differentiation.

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

Usage Guidelines5/5

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

The description provides explicit guidance: use this tool instead of `get_note` when you only need to navigate to a section of a long note, citing token efficiency as a rationale.

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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