# format-check

Checks if files are formatted and returns a structured list of files needing formatting.

Agent View of the PolicyLayer registry record for `format-check`. HTML page: https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/format-check

## Facts

- Tool: `format-check`
- Server: Build (`Dave-London/Pare`) — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build.md
- Homepage: https://github.com/Dave-London/pare
- Risk category: Read (Low risk)
- Registry record: grade F, identity unverified
- Server rate-limited: no
- Parameters: 0
- Recommended policy verdict: Allowed

## Example call (MCP tools/call, JSON-RPC 2.0)

```json
{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": 1,
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "name": "format-check",
    "arguments": {}
  }
}
```

## Why format-check is rated Low

The tool performs a diagnostic check that retrieves information about file formatting status. It returns structured data about which files need formatting but does not execute formatting, modify files, or perform any side effects. This is a pure read/query operation with minimal risk if misused by an AI agent.

From the tool's own definition: "Tool name 'format-check' and description 'Checks if files are formatted and returns a structured list' indicate a read-only operation that inspects and reports on file formatting status without modifying files."

## Use case

AI agents call format-check to retrieve information from Build without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

## Recommended policy (PolicyLayer)

Verdict: **Allowed**. Enforced by the PolicyLayer MCP gateway (https://policylayer.com/mcp-gateway) before a call reaches Build:

```json
{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "format-check": {}
  }
}
```

## Other tools on Build (201)

- `branch` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/branch.md
- `clean` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/clean.md
- `remove` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/remove.md
- `reset` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/reset.md
- `secret-delete` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/secret-delete.md
- `tag` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/tag.md
- `variable-delete` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/variable-delete.md
- `workspace` — Destructive — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/workspace.md
- `add` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/add.md
- `add-package` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/add-package.md
- `ansible-galaxy` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/ansible-galaxy.md
- `ansible-playbook` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/ansible-playbook.md
- `api` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/api.md
- `apply` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/apply.md
- `audit` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/audit.md
- `bazel` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/bazel.md
- `biome-check` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/biome-check.md
- `bisect` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/bisect.md
- `black` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/black.md
- `build` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/build.md
- `bundle-exec` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/bundle-exec.md
- `bundle-install` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/bundle-install.md
- `check` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/check.md
- `cherry-pick` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/cherry-pick.md
- `clippy` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/clippy.md
- `cmake` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/cmake.md
- `compose-build` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/compose-build.md
- `compose-down` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/compose-down.md
- `compose-up` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/compose-up.md
- `conda` — Execute — https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build/conda.md
- …and 171 more: https://policylayer.com/tools/io-github-dave-london-build.md

## For agents

This record is a snapshot. Live verdicts and the full registry:

- Check every server in your MCP config at once: `npx -y policylayer stack`
- Vet a server before you add it: install the mcp-precheck skill — `npx skills add https://policylayer.com` (skill text: https://policylayer.com/skill.md)
- Query the registry over MCP: endpoint `https://api.policylayer.com/mcp` — tools `check_mcp_server`, `check_mcp_stack`, `check_tool`, `search_registry`, `get_change_events`

---

Source: the PolicyLayer MCP registry — one continuously verified record per MCP server. Full record: https://policylayer.com/registry?q=io-github-dave-london-build · API: https://policylayer.com/registry/api · Policy library: https://policylayer.com/policies/io-github-dave-london-build