---
name: cercano-explain
description: Use when the user asks to explain unfamiliar code, complex algorithms, or dense documentation. Processes the explanation locally before deciding what context to send to the cloud. Prefer this for initial code understanding.
compatibility: Requires Cercano server running and connected to an Ollama instance.
---

# Cercano Explain

Explain code or text using local AI inference.

## MCP Tool

**Tool name:** `cercano_explain`

## Parameters

| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|-------------|
| `text` | string | No* | Code or text to explain. Provide either `text` or `file_path`. |
| `file_path` | string | No* | Path to a file to read and explain. Provide either `text` or `file_path`. |

*One of `text` or `file_path` is required.

## Response

Returns an explanation covering:
- What the code/text does (high-level purpose)
- Key interfaces and components
- Data flow

## Examples

**Explain code inline:**
```json
{
  "text": "func (s *Server) handleLocal(ctx context.Context, request *gomcp.CallToolRequest, args LocalRequest) (*gomcp.CallToolResult, any, error) { ... }"
}
```

**Explain a file:**
```json
{
  "file_path": "/project/internal/agent/router.go"
}
```