This record as markdown: /tools/io-github-portel-dev-ncp/create-branch.md
What create_branch does on Ncp
AI agents use create_branch to create or update resources in Ncp, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Ncp environment.
Why create_branch is rated Medium
Creating a database branch is a write operation that modifies the database structure by adding a new branch. This is reversible (the branch can be deleted) and does not involve financial transactions or irreversible deletion of data.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'create_branch' and description 'Create database branch' indicate creation of a new database branch, which is a reversible data structure modification.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
The rule that runs create_branch safely
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Ncp, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For create_branch, this is the rule to start with:
create_branch stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Ncp, apply this rule, and every create_branch call is checked against it from then on.
Questions about create_branch
Create database branch. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Ncp MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.
Register the Ncp MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_branch: 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 Ncp. Nothing to install.
create_branch is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_branch 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 create_branch. 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.
create_branch is provided by the Ncp MCP server (@portel/ncp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
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