format-check
Checks if files are formatted and returns a structured list of files needing formatting.
This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-dave-london-npm/format-check.md
What format-check does on Npm
AI agents call format-check to retrieve information from Npm without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
Why format-check is rated Low
The tool only checks and reports formatting status without making changes, executing code, or affecting system state. This is a read-only diagnostic operation similar to linting or analysis. Severity is low because misuse would only return misleading information about file status, not cause actual damage.
From the tool's definition Tool performs a 'format-check' operation that 'returns a structured list of files needing formatting' — this is purely a query/inspection activity with no modification, execution, or side effects.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs format-check safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Npm, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For format-check, this is the rule to start with:
format-check is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Npm, apply this rule, and every format-check call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about format-check
Checks if files are formatted and returns a structured list of files needing formatting. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Npm MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Npm MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format-check: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Npm. Nothing to install.
format-check is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the format-check rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for format-check. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
format-check is provided by the Npm MCP server (Dave-London/Pare). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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