get_scripting_tips

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents call get_scripting_tips to retrieve information from Macos Automator without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

// WHY ENFORCE A POLICY ON GET_SCRIPTING_TIPS

Even though get_scripting_tips only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

// RECOMMENDED POLICY

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

macos-automator.yaml

tools:
  get_scripting_tips:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Macos Automator policy for all 2 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name get_scripting_tips

Category Read

MCP Server Macos Automator MCP Server

Risk Level Low

// MORE MACOS AUTOMATOR TOOLS

Execute execute_script

// WHAT CAN GO WRONG

Agents calling read-class tools like get_scripting_tips have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

// OTHER READ TOOLS ACROSS MCP SERVERS

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

Open Library MCP Server get_author_info Open Library MCP Server get_author_photo Open Library MCP Server get_authors_by_name Open Library MCP Server get_book_by_id Open Library MCP Server get_book_by_title Open Library MCP Server get_book_cover

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the get_scripting_tips tool do? +

Discover how to automate any app on your Mac with this comprehensive knowledge base of AppleScript/JXA tips and runnable scripts. This tool is essential for discovery and should be the FIRST CHOICE when aiming to automate macOS tasks, especially those involving common applications or system functions, before attempting to write scripts from scratch. It helps identify pre-built, tested solutions, effectively teaching you how to control virtually any aspect of your macOS experience. **Primary Use Cases & Parameters:** * **Discovering Solutions (Use `search_term`):** * Parameter: `search_term` (string, optional). * Functionality: Performs a fuzzy search across all tip titles, descriptions, keywords, script content, and IDs. Ideal for natural language queries like "how to..." (e.g., `search_term: "how do I get the current Safari URL and title?"`). This is the most common way to find relevant tips. * Output: Returns a list of matching tips in Markdown format. * **Limiting Search Results (Use `limit`):** * Parameter: `limit` (integer, optional, default: 10). * Functionality: Specifies the maximum number of script tips to return when using `search_term` or browsing a specific `category` (without `list_categories: true`). Does not apply if `list_categories` is true. * **Browsing by Category (Use `category`):** * Parameter: `category` (string, optional). * Functionality: Shows tips from a specific category. Combine with `limit` to control result count. * Example: `category: "01_intro"` or `category: "07_browsers/chrome"`. * **Listing All Categories (Use `list_categories: true`):** * Parameter: `list_categories` (boolean, optional). * Functionality: Returns a structured list of all available categories with their descriptions. This helps you understand what automation areas are covered. * Output: Category tree in Markdown format. * **Refreshing Database (Use `refresh_database: true`):** * Parameter: `refresh_database` (boolean, optional). * Functionality: Forces a reload of the knowledge base if new scripts have been added. Typically not needed as the database refreshes automatically. **Best Practices:** 1. **Always start with search**: Use natural language queries to find solutions (e.g., "send email from Mail app"). 2. **Browse categories when exploring**: Use `list_categories: true` to see available automation areas. 3. **Use specific IDs for execution**: Once you find a script, use its ID with `execute_script` tool for precise execution.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Macos Automator MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on get_scripting_tips? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for get_scripting_tips. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Macos Automator MCP server.

What risk level is get_scripting_tips? +

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

Can I rate-limit get_scripting_tips? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_scripting_tips rule in your Intercept 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 get_scripting_tips completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for get_scripting_tips. 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 get_scripting_tips? +

get_scripting_tips is provided by the Macos Automator MCP server (@steipete/macos-automator-mcp). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Macos Automator