format_code · MCP Server Foundation Template MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What format_code does on MCP Server Foundation Template

AI agents use format_code to create or update resources in MCP Server Foundation Template — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your MCP Server Foundation Template environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why format_code needs a policy

With no description, classification is based solely on the name. 'format_code' most likely reformats or transforms source code in place, which is a reversible write/modification operation. It could also be read-only if it only outputs formatted code without saving. Confidence is low due to the empty description.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'format_code' only; description is empty and uninformative.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

format_code Rate-limited

format_code 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.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "format_code": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "format_code_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches MCP Server Foundation Template, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about format_code

What does the format_code tool do? +

format_code. It is categorised as a Write tool in the MCP Server Foundation Template MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on format_code? +

Register the MCP Server Foundation Template MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for format_code: 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 MCP Server Foundation Template. Nothing to install.

What risk level is format_code? +

format_code is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit format_code? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the format_code 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 format_code completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for format_code. 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 format_code? +

format_code is provided by the MCP Server Foundation Template MCP server (joeyheath65/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.