health_check

Test connection to VSCode MCP Bridge extension. Troubleshoot when other VSCode MCP tools return connection errors or timeouts

Part of the Vscode MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

@vscode-mcp/vscode-mcp-server Read

// WHEN AI AGENTS USE THIS TOOL

AI agents call health_check to retrieve information from Vscode 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 HEALTH_CHECK

Even though health_check 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.

vscode.yaml

tools:
  health_check:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Vscode policy for all 8 tools.

// DETAILS

Tool Name health_check

Category Read

MCP Server Vscode MCP Server

Risk Level Low

// MORE VSCODE TOOLS

Destructive execute_command Write open_files Write rename_symbol Read get_diagnostics Read get_references Read get_symbol_lsp_info Read list_workspaces

// RELATED READING

// FAQ

What does the health_check tool do? +

Test connection to VSCode MCP Bridge extension. Troubleshoot when other VSCode MCP tools return connection errors or timeouts. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Vscode MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on health_check? +

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

What risk level is health_check? +

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

Can I rate-limit health_check? +

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

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

health_check is provided by the Vscode MCP server (@vscode-mcp/vscode-mcp-server). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

health_check

Enforce policies on Vscode