Asynchronous, anchored AI edits through MCP. A VS Code extension that enables AI agents to make code edits with anchored ranges, supporting task management, revision tracking, and workspace integration.
Anchor Agent provides 10 tools with complete input schemas and descriptions. Naming follows verb_noun convention (list_, use_, claim_, get_, read_, search_, report_, submit_, request_). Descriptions are present and contextual (avg ~120 chars), explaining WHAT each tool does and WHEN to use it. However, parameter descriptions are sparse or missing context about constraints, formats, and dependencies. Output schemas are not documented, LLMs cannot predict response structure. Error handling is minimal; no recovery guidance or categorization. Tool composition is sound (single responsibility), but some tools like claim_task conflate multiple concerns (claiming + optional branch association). Security considerations are present (read-only vs write risk classification) but not formalized in descriptions.
Claim a pending task instruction in the current Agent conversation. Use this when automatic sampling is unavailable. Optional sourceSessionId/sourceNodeId associate the logical Anchor branch with host context; when a native session-fork adapter is configured, Anchor forks from the current node instead of inventing IDs. Task results are never written back to the parent conversation.
Get one anchored local-edit task. The full document is intentionally omitted.
List active Anchor Agent VS Code windows and the currently selected connection.
List anchored edit tasks exposed by the active VS Code window.
Read the immutable task snapshot or current editor document.
Report task progress for display at the editor anchor.
Output schemas not documented. LLMs cannot predict response structure for any tool, forcing them to guess at field names and types for downstream chaining.
Parameter descriptions lack constraint details. 'maxResults' has no min/max bounds; 'mode' enum is documented but 'percentage' has no 0-100 range stated in description; 'stage' and 'question' lack format guidance.
No error handling guidance. Tools return success/failure but do not explain what to do on error (retry? ask user? fatal?). No recovery paths documented.
| Scored | Grade | Overall | Spec posture | Rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-23 | C | 60 | 2026-07-28+ | v2 |
Ask the user a question before producing another candidate.
Search workspace text without modifying files.
Submit an immutable candidate replacement. This never edits the document.
Select which VS Code window subsequent Anchor Agent tools use.
claim_task conflates two concerns: claiming a task AND optionally associating branch context (sourceSessionId/sourceNodeId). Should be split or clearly documented as optional side-effect.
Parameter dependencies undocumented. read_document's 'mode' parameter determines whether 'uri' is required; claim_task's sourceSessionId/sourceNodeId are optional but their interaction is not explained.