describe_table

Get detailed information about a specific table including indexes and constraints

Server MCP PostgreSQL Server kristofer84/mcp-postgres
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What describe_table does on MCP PostgreSQL Server

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

Why describe_table needs a policy

This tool performs a read-only inspection of table metadata (indexes, constraints, structure). It retrieves information about the database schema without creating, modifying, or deleting any data. The operation has minimal blast radius as it only exposes structural information that is typically available to authorized users. It aligns with the server's stated read-only design.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'describe_table' and description 'Get detailed information about a specific table including indexes and constraints' indicate a query operation that retrieves metadata about table structure without modifying data.

Questions about describe_table

What does the describe_table tool do? +

Get detailed information about a specific table including indexes and constraints. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MCP PostgreSQL Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on describe_table? +

Register the MCP PostgreSQL Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for describe_table: 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 PostgreSQL Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is describe_table? +

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

Can I rate-limit describe_table? +

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

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

describe_table is provided by the MCP PostgreSQL Server MCP server (kristofer84/mcp-postgres). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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