codebase_overview

Return a structural summary of the entire indexed codebase: file and node counts, kind distribution, most-called functions, most-imported files, and likely entry points. Call this first when orienting in an unfamiliar project.

Server Knocoph jagonzalr/knocoph
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What codebase_overview does on Knocoph

AI agents call codebase_overview to retrieve information from Knocoph without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why codebase_overview needs a policy

This tool queries the indexed knowledge graph to retrieve aggregate information about codebase structure (file counts, node counts, kind distribution, function call frequency, import patterns, entry points). It is purely informational with no side effects—no data is created, modified, deleted, or executed. It functions as a read-only orientation tool, making it a classic 'Read' category risk.

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Return[s] a structural summary' of the codebase, focusing on counts, distributions, and statistics. No modifications, deletions, or external operations are described. The verb 'Return' and 'summary' indicate data retrieval only.

Risk signalsBulk/mass operation — affects multiple targets

Questions about codebase_overview

What does the codebase_overview tool do? +

Return a structural summary of the entire indexed codebase: file and node counts, kind distribution, most-called functions, most-imported files, and likely entry points. Call this first when orienting in an unfamiliar project. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Knocoph MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on codebase_overview? +

Register the Knocoph MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for codebase_overview: 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 Knocoph. Nothing to install.

What risk level is codebase_overview? +

codebase_overview is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit codebase_overview? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the codebase_overview 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.

How do I block codebase_overview completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for codebase_overview. 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.

What MCP server provides codebase_overview? +

codebase_overview is provided by the Knocoph MCP server (jagonzalr/knocoph). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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