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query-database

Retrieve and filter database entries from Notion using criteria, sorting, and pagination to access workspace information.

Instructions

Query a database

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
database_idYesID of the database to query
filterNoOptional filter criteria
sortsNoOptional sort criteria
start_cursorNoOptional cursor for pagination
page_sizeNoNumber of results per page

Implementation Reference

  • Handler function for 'query-database' tool. Extracts parameters from args, constructs query parameters for Notion's databases.query API, calls the API, and returns the response as JSON text content.
    else if (name === "query-database") {
      console.error("Query database handler called with:", JSON.stringify(args, null, 2));
      const { database_id, filter, sorts, start_cursor, page_size } = args;
      
      const queryParams = {
        database_id,
        page_size: page_size || 100,
      };
    
      if (filter) queryParams.filter = filter;
      if (sorts) queryParams.sorts = sorts;
      if (start_cursor) queryParams.start_cursor = start_cursor;
    
      const response = await notion.databases.query(queryParams);
    
      return {
        content: [
          {
            type: "text",
            text: JSON.stringify(response, null, 2),
          },
        ],
      };
    }
  • Input schema definition for the 'query-database' tool, returned in tools/list response. Defines parameters like database_id (required), filter, sorts, pagination options.
    {
      name: "query-database",
      description: "Query a database",
      inputSchema: {
        type: "object",
        properties: {
          database_id: {
            type: "string",
            description: "ID of the database to query"
          },
          filter: {
            type: "object",
            description: "Optional filter criteria"
          },
          sorts: {
            type: "array",
            description: "Optional sort criteria"
          },
          start_cursor: {
            type: "string",
            description: "Optional cursor for pagination"
          },
          page_size: {
            type: "number",
            description: "Number of results per page",
            default: 100
          }
        },
        required: ["database_id"]
      }
    },
  • server.js:38-315 (registration)
    Registration of the tool in the tools/list handler, which lists all available tools including 'query-database' with its schema.
    // List databases tool
    server.setRequestHandler(z.object({
      method: z.literal("tools/list")
    }), async () => {
      return {
        tools: [
          {
            name: "list-databases",
            description: "List all databases the integration has access to",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {}
            }
          },
          {
            name: "query-database",
            description: "Query a database",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                database_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the database to query"
                },
                filter: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Optional filter criteria"
                },
                sorts: {
                  type: "array",
                  description: "Optional sort criteria"
                },
                start_cursor: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "Optional cursor for pagination"
                },
                page_size: {
                  type: "number",
                  description: "Number of results per page",
                  default: 100
                }
              },
              required: ["database_id"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "create-page",
            description: "Create a new page in a database",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                parent_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the parent database"
                },
                properties: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Page properties"
                },
                children: {
                  type: "array",
                  description: "Optional content blocks"
                }
              },
              required: ["parent_id", "properties"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "update-page",
            description: "Update an existing page",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                page_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the page to update"
                },
                properties: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Updated page properties"
                },
                archived: {
                  type: "boolean",
                  description: "Whether to archive the page"
                }
              },
              required: ["page_id", "properties"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "create-database",
            description: "Create a new database",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                parent_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the parent page"
                },
                title: {
                  type: "array",
                  description: "Database title as rich text array"
                },
                properties: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Database properties schema"
                },
                icon: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Optional icon for the database"
                },
                cover: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Optional cover for the database"
                }
              },
              required: ["parent_id", "title", "properties"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "update-database",
            description: "Update an existing database",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                database_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the database to update"
                },
                title: {
                  type: "array",
                  description: "Optional new title as rich text array"
                },
                description: {
                  type: "array",
                  description: "Optional new description as rich text array"
                },
                properties: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Optional updated properties schema"
                }
              },
              required: ["database_id"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "get-page",
            description: "Retrieve a page by its ID",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                page_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the page to retrieve"
                }
              },
              required: ["page_id"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "get-block-children",
            description: "Retrieve the children blocks of a block",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                block_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the block (page or block)"
                },
                start_cursor: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "Cursor for pagination"
                },
                page_size: {
                  type: "number",
                  description: "Number of results per page",
                  default: 100
                }
              },
              required: ["block_id"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "append-block-children",
            description: "Append blocks to a parent block",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                block_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the parent block (page or block)"
                },
                children: {
                  type: "array",
                  description: "List of block objects to append"
                },
                after: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "Optional ID of an existing block to append after"
                }
              },
              required: ["block_id", "children"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "update-block",
            description: "Update a block's content or archive status",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                block_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the block to update"
                },
                block_type: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "The type of block (paragraph, heading_1, to_do, etc.)"
                },
                content: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "The content for the block based on its type"
                },
                archived: {
                  type: "boolean",
                  description: "Whether to archive (true) or restore (false) the block"
                }
              },
              required: ["block_id", "block_type", "content"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "get-block",
            description: "Retrieve a block by its ID",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                block_id: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "ID of the block to retrieve"
                }
              },
              required: ["block_id"]
            }
          },
          {
            name: "search",
            description: "Search Notion for pages or databases",
            inputSchema: {
              type: "object",
              properties: {
                query: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "Search query string",
                  default: ""
                },
                filter: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Optional filter criteria"
                },
                sort: {
                  type: "object",
                  description: "Optional sort criteria"
                },
                start_cursor: {
                  type: "string",
                  description: "Cursor for pagination"
                },
                page_size: {
                  type: "number",
                  description: "Number of results per page",
                  default: 100
                }
              }
            }
          }
        ]
      };
    });
Behavior1/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. 'Query a database' offers no insight into whether this is a read-only operation, its performance characteristics, error handling, or any constraints (e.g., rate limits, authentication needs). It fails to describe what the tool actually does beyond the basic verb.

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

Conciseness2/5

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

While concise with just three words, this is under-specification rather than effective brevity. The description is too sparse to be helpful, failing to front-load critical information. It doesn't earn its place by adding value beyond the tool name.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Given the tool's complexity (5 parameters including nested objects, no output schema, and no annotations), the description is completely inadequate. It doesn't explain return values, error conditions, or behavioral nuances, leaving significant gaps for the agent to infer usage in a potentially critical operation like database querying.

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 description coverage is 100%, meaning all parameters are documented in the schema itself. The description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema provides (e.g., it doesn't explain how filters or sorts work in practice). With high schema coverage, the baseline score of 3 is appropriate as the description doesn't compensate but also doesn't detract.

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

Purpose2/5

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

The description 'Query a database' is essentially a tautology that restates the tool name 'query-database' without adding meaningful specificity. It doesn't distinguish this tool from potential alternatives like 'search' or 'list-databases' among the siblings, nor does it specify what kind of querying it performs (e.g., structured queries, filtered searches).

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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 like 'search' or 'list-databases' among the siblings. There's no mention of prerequisites, context, or exclusions, leaving the agent with no usage direction beyond the vague purpose.

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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