get_symbol_at_position

[symbols]

Resolves the symbol at an exact file position. Addressable symbols return an opaque key.

Parameters

Name	Type	Required	Description
filePath	string	Yes	Absolute file path.
line	number	Yes	1-based line number. Default: `1`
column	number	Yes	1-based UTF-16 column number on the current line. Default: `1`
pathStyle	string	No	Path style: 'absolute' (default) or 'relative' (to solution root). Default: `"absolute"`
responseDetail	string	No	compact returns results and actionable state. full adds diagnostic metadata under responseDiagnostics. Default: `"compact"`

Examples

Replace sample paths and symbol keys with values from your workspace.

Get symbol key under cursor

Arguments 
{
  "filePath": "/Users/dev/MyProject/Program.cs",
  "line": 10,
  "column": 15
}

Full MCP request

Full MCP request 
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": 1,
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "get_symbol_at_position",
    "arguments": {
      "filePath": "/Users/dev/MyProject/Program.cs",
      "line": 10,
      "column": 15
    }
  }
}

Illustrative response 
{
  "success": true,
  "symbolKey": "...",
  "displayName": "MyApp.Services.UserService",
  "kind": "Class",
  "containingType": null,
  "filePath": "/path/to/UserService.cs",
  "lineNumber": 12,
  "addressableAncestor": null
}

Response Notes

Returns symbol details and a nullable symbolKey. Locals, parameters, and local functions have no addressable key. Use addressableAncestor or the source location. The ancestor has symbolKey, displayName, and kind fields. An invalid line or column returns success:false with validRange (parameter, minimum, maximum). Read the current line and select the intended identifier before retrying; the tool does not choose another symbol. Results use top-level fields with success. Compact is the default; full adds responseDiagnostics. Both modes retain errors, coverage, partial state, and recovery advice.