Metabase MCP

get_database_schema

Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve tables and columns for a specified database. Optionally filter to specific tables or return only table names.

Instructions

Get tables and columns for a database

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "database_id": "<database_id>"
    },
    "name": "get_database_schema"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`database_id`	Yes	Database ID
`detail`	No	Level of detail. "tables_only" returns table names without columns
`format`	No	Response format (default: compact). Use "default" for pretty-printed output
`tables`	No	Filter to specific table names

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

Changed3 schema fields changedv1.3.0May 4, 2026

addedInput schema / properties / detail

Added value: +{
+  "description": "Level of detail. \"tables_only\" returns table names without columns",
+  "enum": [
+    "full",
+    "tables_only"
+  ],
+  "type": "string"
+}

addedInput schema / properties / format

Added value: +{
+  "description": "Response format (default: compact). Use \"default\" for pretty-printed output",
+  "enum": [
+    "default",
+    "compact"
+  ],
+  "type": "string"
+}

addedInput schema / properties / tables

Added value: +{
+  "description": "Filter to specific table names",
+  "items": {
+    "type": "string"
+  },
+  "type": "array"
+}

First observedv1.1.1Apr 13, 2026

TDQS

A3.5/5.0

Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the tool's safe, read-only behavior is known. The description adds no additional behavioral context about potential side effects or constraints, which is acceptable given the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single concise sentence that communicates the core purpose without any superfluous words. It is front-loaded and efficient.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

No output schema is provided, so the agent must infer the return format. The description does not clarify whether output includes column details, data types, or other schema properties. However, the input parameters (detail, format, tables) hint at modifiable output structure. Adequate but not comprehensive.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% (4 parameters fully described). The description does not add any extra meaning beyond the schema; it merely restates the overall purpose. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description 'Get tables and columns for a database' uses a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('database schema'), clearly distinguishing this tool from siblings like 'execute_query' or 'list_databases'. The purpose is immediately understandable.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'execute_query' or 'get_card'. There is no mention of prerequisites, context, or exclusions.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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