Skip to main content
Glama

delete_tasks

Remove tasks from Todoist by specifying task IDs or names to clear completed items or eliminate outdated entries from your task list.

Instructions

Delete tasks from Todoist Either 'task_id' or the 'task_name' to identify the target.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
itemsYes

Implementation Reference

  • Core batch handler logic for delete_tasks: processes array of items, looks up task IDs by name if needed by fetching all tasks, validates path parameters, constructs /tasks/{id} path, executes todoistApi.delete(finalPath) for each matching task, and returns batched results with success summary.
    const handler = async (args: z.infer<typeof batchSchema>): Promise<any> => {
        const { items } = args;
    
        // For modes other than create, check if name lookup is needed
        let allItems: any[] = [];
    
        const needsNameLookup =
            options.mode !== 'create' &&
            options.nameField &&
            options.findByName &&
            items.some(item => item[options.nameField!] && !item[options.idField!]);
    
        if (needsNameLookup) {
            // Determine the base path for fetching all items
            // Example: /tasks from /tasks/{id}
            const lookupPath =
                options.basePath || (options.path ? options.path.split('/{')[0] : '');
            allItems = await todoistApi.get(lookupPath, {});
        }
    
        const results = await Promise.all(
            items.map(async item => {
                if (options.validateItem) {
                    const validation = options.validateItem(item);
    
                    if (!validation.valid) {
                        return {
                            success: false,
                            error: validation.error || 'Validation failed',
                            item,
                        };
                    }
                }
    
                try {
                    let finalPath = '';
                    const apiParams = { ...item };
    
                    // For modes where need id
                    if (options.mode !== 'create' && options.idField) {
                        let itemId = item[options.idField];
                        let matchedName = null;
                        let matchedContent = null;
    
                        // If no ID but name is provided, search by name
                        if (!itemId && item[options.nameField!] && options.findByName) {
                            const searchName = item[options.nameField!];
                            const matchedItem = options.findByName(searchName, allItems);
    
                            if (!matchedItem) {
                                return {
                                    success: false,
                                    error: `Item not found with name: ${searchName}`,
                                    item,
                                };
                            }
    
                            itemId = matchedItem.id;
                            matchedName = searchName;
                            matchedContent = matchedItem.content;
                        }
    
                        if (!itemId) {
                            return {
                                success: false,
                                error: `Either ${options.idField} or ${options.nameField} must be provided`,
                                item,
                            };
                        }
    
                        // Apply security validation to itemId before using in path
                        const safeItemId = validatePathParameter(itemId, options.idField || 'id');
    
                        if (options.basePath && options.pathSuffix) {
                            finalPath = `${options.basePath}${options.pathSuffix.replace('{id}', safeItemId)}`;
                        } else if (options.path) {
                            finalPath = options.path.replace('{id}', safeItemId);
                        }
    
                        delete apiParams[options.idField];
                        if (options.nameField) {
                            delete apiParams[options.nameField];
                        }
    
                        let result;
                        switch (options.method) {
                            case 'GET':
                                result = await todoistApi.get(finalPath, apiParams);
                                break;
                            case 'POST':
                                result = await todoistApi.post(finalPath, apiParams);
                                break;
                            case 'DELETE':
                                result = await todoistApi.delete(finalPath);
                                break;
                        }
    
                        const response: any = {
                            success: true,
                            id: itemId,
                            result,
                        };
    
                        if (matchedName) {
                            response.found_by_name = matchedName;
                            response.matched_content = matchedContent;
                        }
    
                        return response;
                    }
                    // Create mode
                    else {
                        finalPath = options.path || options.basePath || '';
    
                        let result;
                        switch (options.method) {
                            case 'GET':
                                result = await todoistApi.get(finalPath, apiParams);
                                break;
                            case 'POST':
                                result = await todoistApi.post(finalPath, apiParams);
                                break;
                            case 'DELETE':
                                result = await todoistApi.delete(finalPath);
                                break;
                        }
    
                        return {
                            success: true,
                            created_item: result,
                        };
                    }
                } catch (error) {
                    return {
                        success: false,
                        error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error),
                        item,
                    };
                }
            })
        );
    
        const successCount = results.filter(r => r.success).length;
        return {
            success: successCount === items.length,
            summary: {
                total: items.length,
                succeeded: successCount,
                failed: items.length - successCount,
            },
            results,
        };
    };
  • Registers the delete_tasks tool, defining its name, description, input schema (task_id or task_name), HTTP method DELETE on /tasks/{id}, delete mode, ID/name fields, and custom findByName function for task lookup by partial content match.
    createBatchApiHandler({
        name: 'delete_tasks',
        description: 'Delete tasks from Todoist',
        itemSchema: {
            task_id: z.string().optional(),
            task_name: z.string().optional(),
        },
        method: 'DELETE',
        path: '/tasks/{id}',
        mode: 'delete',
        idField: 'task_id',
        nameField: 'task_name',
        findByName: (name, items) =>
            items.find(item => item.content.toLowerCase().includes(name.toLowerCase())),
    });
  • Input schema definition for delete_tasks items, allowing optional task_id or task_name for identification.
    itemSchema: {
        task_id: z.string().optional(),
        task_name: z.string().optional(),
    },
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states this is a deletion operation (implying destructive mutation) but doesn't mention whether deletions are permanent, reversible, require specific permissions, or have rate limits. The description lacks critical behavioral context like confirmation prompts, side effects, or error handling for a destructive operation.

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?

The description is appropriately brief with two sentences that directly address core functionality. The first sentence establishes purpose, the second clarifies parameter usage. There's no redundant information or unnecessary elaboration. However, the structure could be slightly improved by front-loading critical behavioral warnings for a destructive operation.

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

Completeness2/5

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

For a destructive mutation tool with no annotations, 0% schema description coverage, and no output schema, the description is insufficient. It doesn't explain what happens after deletion (success confirmation, error responses), whether deletions cascade to related data, or important constraints. The description leaves too many behavioral and operational questions unanswered given the tool's complexity and risk profile.

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

Parameters2/5

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

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It mentions 'task_id' or 'task_name' as identification methods, which partially explains the nested object structure. However, it doesn't clarify that these are properties within an array of items, nor does it explain whether both fields can be used together, if one is preferred, or what happens with ambiguous names. The description adds minimal value beyond the bare schema.

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?

The description clearly states the action ('Delete') and resource ('tasks from Todoist'), making the purpose immediately understandable. It distinguishes itself from siblings like 'close_tasks' or 'reopen_tasks' by specifying permanent deletion rather than state changes. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from 'delete_projects' or 'delete_sections' beyond the resource type.

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 like 'close_tasks' (which might archive instead of delete) or 'reopen_tasks'. It mentions identification methods ('task_id' or 'task_name') but doesn't explain prerequisites, error conditions, or when deletion is appropriate versus other operations. No explicit when/when-not statements are present.

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

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/stanislavlysenko0912/todoist-mcp-server'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server