MCP Tool Splitting and Context Management
mattjcoles · reddit · 2026-07-17
The author shares lessons on balancing tool contracts with context window usage when developing MCPs. Initially, using generic query tools prevented the model from recognizing required fields for specific datasets (like dates or repositories). Switching to strongly typed tools clarified parameters, but as the catalog grew, it led to preloading unused schemas. The current solution keeps related filters within the same tool and employs progressive discovery mechanisms when definitions become too large.
Related event: Balancing Precision and Context in MCP Data Tool Design(3 posts)→
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