Build the deep index (full symbol extraction) for the current project. This performs a complete re-index and loads it into memory. Uses parallel processing by default. For large codebases (3000+ files), tuning max_workers can significantly improve build times. Args: max_workers: Maximum number of...
AI agents invoke build_deep_index to trigger actions in Code Index. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.
This tool triggers external indexing operations and computational processes on the codebase. While it doesn't delete data or move money, it executes system-level parallel processing tasks that modify the in-memory index state. The configurable parameters (max_workers, timeout) mean outcomes depend on user input.
From the tool's definition The tool "performs a complete re-index and loads it into memory" using "parallel processing" with configurable "max_workers" and "timeout" parameters.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access build_deep_index gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Code Index, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for build_deep_index:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"build_deep_index": {
"limits": [
{
"counter": "build_deep_index_rate",
"window": "minute",
"max": 10,
"scope": "grant"
}
]
}
}
}build_deep_index stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
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Build the deep index (full symbol extraction) for the current project. This performs a complete re-index and loads it into memory. Uses parallel processing by default. For large codebases (3000+ files), tuning max_workers can significantly improve build times. Args: max_workers: Maximum number of parallel workers for file processing. Defaults to min(4, cpu_count) when not specified. Increase for I/O-bound workloads on machines with many cores. timeout: Parallel build timeout in seconds. When not specified, scales dynamically based on file count (0.5s per file, min 30s, max 600s). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Code Index MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.
Register the Code Index MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for build_deep_index: 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 Code Index. Nothing to install.
build_deep_index is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the build_deep_index 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 build_deep_index. 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.
build_deep_index is provided by the Code Index MCP server (johnhuang316/code-index-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Code Index, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
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14 Code Index tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.