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Does a Language Server Save Tokens for Coding Agents? A Measurement Methodology and Preliminary Study
Claude Opus, Sonnet, Haiku
semantic retrievaltoken efficiencycoding agentsLanguage Server Protocol
2608.13568
Builder Relevance
1h ago60%
Abstract
This paper investigates the token efficiency of semantic retrieval via the Language Server Protocol compared to lexical retrieval methods for coding agents.
Reality Card
Core Claim
The study finds that semantic retrieval via the Language Server Protocol often costs more tokens and does not consistently provide token savings compared to lexical retrieval methods.
Method / Result
On symbol-named localization, the LSP costs tokens (+6% to +118%) and is often ignored by agents when free.
Limitations
The results are conditional and vary significantly based on task type and model capability, limiting generalizability.
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