Find symbols with similar names or structure using Levenshtein distance and kind matching. Useful for finding related functions, classes, or interfaces.
AI agents call similar_symbols to retrieve information from code-intel MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool retrieves and queries code symbols using pattern matching (Levenshtein distance and kind matching). It has no side effects, does not execute code, and does not create or modify data. It fits squarely in the Read category as an informational/search tool for static code analysis.
From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Find symbols with similar names or structure' — a pure query/search operation with no modification, deletion, or code execution. Returns matching symbols based on pattern matching.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Find symbols with similar names or structure using Levenshtein distance and kind matching. Useful for finding related functions, classes, or interfaces. It is categorised as a Read tool in the code-intel MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the code-intel MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for similar_symbols: 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-intel MCP Server. Nothing to install.
similar_symbols 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 similar_symbols 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 similar_symbols. 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.
similar_symbols is provided by the code-intel MCP Server MCP server (vohongtho/code-intel-platform). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Every MCP server has a record like this.
Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.
Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →