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search_items

Find tasks using full-text search on title and description. Filter by status, label, or due date. Returns a compact summary by default.

Instructions

Full-text search over items, returning a Compact projection.

The compact, kind-neutral full-text search over items. Returns a Compact projection by default -- the same small fixed field set per row as list_items (ref, kind, title, status, complete_by, parent_id, labels) -- so the heavy body (description) and the raw id are dropped. Pass full=true for the rows verbatim.

Scope: full-text search currently covers Tasks only. This tool is backed by the Tasks search path (GET /tasks/search) because the backend has no kind-neutral /items/search endpoint today; a kind-neutral full-text search is a known backend follow-on (to be filed in the Deferno backend repo, out of scope for the MCP). Non-Task kinds (Habits / Chores / Events) are therefore not reached by query yet -- use list_items to enumerate those.

Args: query: Search query (min 2 characters). Searches title and description. status: Filter by status (open, in-progress, in-review, done, dropped). label: Filter by label tag. from_date: Filter items due on or after this ISO 8601 date. to_date: Filter items due on or before this ISO 8601 date. parent_id: Scope search to children of this item (UUID). full: When true, return every field on each row (no projection).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
queryYes
statusNo
labelNo
from_dateNo
to_dateNo
parent_idNo
fullNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior5/5

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

In the absence of annotations, the description fully discloses behavior: returns compact projection by default, option for full rows, scope limited to Tasks, and backend limitation. No hidden surprises.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

Well-structured with a summary, projection detail, scope note, and arg list. Could be slightly more concise, but every sentence adds value; front-loaded with the most important info.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Given the presence of an output schema, the description adequately explains the return values (compact projection fields) and covers scope, limitations, and parameter semantics. No gaps for a search tool.

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

Parameters5/5

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

Despite 0% schema coverage, the description provides a clear, concise explanation for each of the 7 parameters (query, status, label, from_date, to_date, parent_id, full), adding meaning beyond the schema.

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?

Clearly states the tool does full-text search over items returning a Compact projection. It distinguishes from sibling list_items by noting the compact field set and scope limitation to Tasks only.

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

Usage Guidelines5/5

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

Explicitly states when to use (full-text search) and when not (non-Task kinds, recommending list_items). Also notes the backend limitation, providing clear guidance on alternatives.

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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