MCP tool create_and_write_to_foundry_dataset cannot write to existing datasets

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1

The MCP tool create_and_write_to_foundry_dataset only supports creating NEW datasets. Attempting to write to an existing dataset (same name/location) fails with DuplicateDatasetName error.

Expected Behavior:
Should support writing new transactions to existing datasets - either:

  1. Add datasetRid parameter to write to existing dataset
  2. Or upsert behavior: if dataset exists, write to it; if not, create it

Actual Behavior:
{
“errorCode”: “INVALID_ARGUMENT”,
“errorName”: “Catalog:DuplicateDatasetName”,
“parameters”: { “name”: “title_title_order” }
}

Impact:

  • Cannot update datasets programmatically via MCP
  • Forces users to manually upload via Foundry UI
  • Breaks automation workflows

Note: Foundry fully supports dataset updates via UI/API - this is specifically an MCP tool gap.

2

Hello,

Thank you for the feedback. The behaviour you are seeing is intended.

The intention of create_and_write_foundry_dataset tool is to be used for testing as an intermediate step during development. Later you can update the same dataset using Data pipeline tooling like Transforms/Eddie or integrated with the Ontology.

As a rule of thumb we do not want to give Palantir MCP the ability to override/modify/delete existing data with out a human approval as this might break production pipelines. In the future as the MCP/Agent ecosystems mature we may change our guidelines for tools.

If you can describe your workflow/use-case we may be able to help you further for example We are working on an Ontology MCP which gives you the ability to call Ontology Functions/Actions and directly modify data in Foundry.

2 Likes
3

thanks so much - this clarifies