view_external_definition

GliderMCP

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[external]

Views source code for external symbols (NuGet/framework), via SourceLink or decompilation.

Why this tool exists

Framework and package behavior often explains local code, but the source is outside the repo.

How it helps the agent

The model can inspect external definitions and package usage evidence instead of guessing from API names.

Try it locally in the GliderMCP playground

Parameters

Name	Type	Required	Description
symbolName	string	Yes	Symbol name to look up (simple or fully qualified).
assemblyHint	string	No	Optional assembly name hint to narrow matches.
projectName	string	No	Optional project name to limit referenced assemblies.
maxLines	number	No	Maximum number of source lines to return. Use 0 for no limit. Default is 400.

Examples

View JsonSerializer source

Request 
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": 1,
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "view_external_definition",
    "arguments": {
      "symbolName": "System.Text.Json.JsonSerializer",
      "assemblyHint": "System.Text.Json"
    }
  }
}

Response 
{
  "success": true,
  "data": {
    "symbolName": "JsonSerializer",
    "symbolKind": "Class",
    "assemblyName": "System.Text.Json",
    "assemblyVersion": "9.0.0.0",
    "sourceOrigin": "SourceLink",
    "sourceUrl": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/...",
    "sourceCode": "public static class JsonSerializer { ... }",
    "sourceCodeTotalLines": 1200,
    "sourceCodeReturnedLines": 400,
    "sourceCodeTruncated": true,
    "language": "C#"
  },
  "error": null
}

Response Notes

Returns source code and assembly information

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