Gets definition information for a symbol using hover data (type, docs, source). WHEN TO USE: Understanding what a symbol represents, checking function signatures, quick API reference. USE search_symbols_code instead for: finding symbols by name across the project. Requires exact symbol name and l...
AI agents call get_symbol_definition_code to retrieve information from Vscode without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves metadata about symbols (type information, documentation, source location) without modifying, executing, or deleting anything. It is a pure read operation that returns information to help understand code structure. No destructive, write, execute, or financial operations are performed.
From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Gets definition information for a symbol using hover data (type, docs, source)'.
Documented attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access get_symbol_definition_code gives an agent:
PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway — it sits between your AI agents and Vscode, and nothing reaches the server without passing your rules. This is the rule we recommend for get_symbol_definition_code:
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"get_symbol_definition_code": {}
}
}get_symbol_definition_code is read-only, so it stays allowed — but everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.
Free to start. No card required.
Gets definition information for a symbol using hover data (type, docs, source). WHEN TO USE: Understanding what a symbol represents, checking function signatures, quick API reference. USE search_symbols_code instead for: finding symbols by name across the project. Requires exact symbol name and line number. If symbol not found on line, returns clear message. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Vscode MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Vscode MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for get_symbol_definition_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 Vscode. Nothing to install.
get_symbol_definition_code 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 get_symbol_definition_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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for get_symbol_definition_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.
get_symbol_definition_code is provided by the Vscode MCP server (juehang/vscode-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Start from Vscode, add the rest of your stack, and see everything your agents can call. Then put policy on all of it.
Free to start. No card required.
12 Vscode tools catalogued and risk-classified — across an index of 43,000+ MCP servers.