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SunCreation

MCP Notion Server (@suncreation)

by SunCreation

notion_retrieve_database

Retrieve Notion database content in JSON or Markdown format to read, analyze, or modify workspace data through the MCP Notion Server.

Instructions

Retrieve a database in Notion

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
database_idYesThe ID of the database to retrieve.It should be a 32-character string (excluding hyphens) formatted as 8-4-4-4-12 with hyphens (-).
formatNoSpecify the response format. 'json' returns the original data structure, 'markdown' returns a more readable format. Use 'markdown' when the user only needs to read the page and isn't planning to write or modify it. Use 'json' when the user needs to read the page with the intention of writing to or modifying it.markdown

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv1.0.6

TDQS

B3.1/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations provided. Description does not disclose any behavioral traits beyond the verb 'retrieve', such as whether it is read-only, requires specific permissions, or returns the full database structure. Minimal behavioral context.

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?

Single sentence, no unnecessary words. Perfectly concise for the simplicity of the tool. Front-loaded verb.

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?

The description is minimal and does not provide complete context such as what exactly is retrieved (e.g., properties, items?), or how it differs from query_database. However, given the simplicity and schema coverage, it is adequate but not thorough.

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?

Input schema has 100% description coverage, providing details for both parameters. The tool description itself does not add any additional meaning beyond the schema. Baseline score of 3 applies.

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

Purpose4/5

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

Description clearly states the action ('Retrieve a database') and resource ('in Notion'). However, no differentiation provided from sibling tools like 'notion_query_database', which may have overlapping functionality.

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?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives. The format parameter description provides usage context for output format, but not for tool selection. No mention of prerequisites or scenarios.

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