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GitLab MCP Server

GitLab MCP Server

by ttpears

Notes/Comments

get_notes
Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve comments and system notes for a GitLab issue or merge request, including inline merge request comments, with pagination for complete results.

Instructions

Get notes (comments) on an issue or merge request, including system notes and inline MR comments

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
iidYesIssue or merge request IID
afterNoPagination cursor. To fetch the next page, pass the previous response pageInfo.endCursor here and repeat until pageInfo.hasNextPage is false. Paginating this way is the reliable path to complete results and accurate totals.
firstNoNumber of notes to retrieve
fetchAllNoFetch multiple pages in one call, up to "first" items total (max 100) — NOT exhaustive. For complete results or accurate counts, leave this false and paginate via after (pageInfo.endCursor).
projectPathYesFull path of the project (e.g., "group/project-name")
noteableTypeYesType of item to get notes for
userCredentialsNoYour GitLab credentials (optional — falls back to the configured env token if not provided)

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv4.0.0
    • removedInput schema / additionalProperties
      Removed value: -false
    • changedInput schema / properties / userCredentials / anyOf
      Previous value: -[
      -  {
      -    "additionalProperties": false,
      -    "properties": {
      -      "accessToken": {
      -        "minLength": 1,
      -        "type": "string"
      -      },
      -      "gitlabUrl": {
      -        "format": "uri",
      -        "type": "string"
      -      }
      -    },
      -    "type": "object"
      -  },
      -  {
      -    "type": "null"
      -  }
      -]New value: +[
      +  {
      +    "properties": {
      +      "accessToken": {
      +        "minLength": 1,
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "gitlabUrl": {
      +        "format": "uri",
      +        "type": "string"
      +      }
      +    },
      +    "type": "object"
      +  },
      +  {
      +    "type": "null"
      +  }
      +]
  2. Changed2 schema fields changedv2.2.4
    • changedInput schema / properties / after / description
      Previous value: -"Cursor for pagination"New value: +"Pagination cursor. To fetch the next page, pass the previous response pageInfo.endCursor here and repeat until pageInfo.hasNextPage is false. Paginating this way is the reliable path to complete results and accurate totals."
    • changedInput schema / properties / fetchAll / description
      Previous value: -"Fetch all pages up to 100 results"New value: +"Fetch multiple pages in one call, up to \"first\" items total (max 100) — NOT exhaustive. For complete results or accurate counts, leave this false and paginate via after (pageInfo.endCursor)."
  3. Changed2 schema fields changedv1.15.0
    • addedInput schema / properties / fetchAll
      Added value: +{
      +  "default": false,
      +  "description": "Fetch all pages up to 100 results",
      +  "type": "boolean"
      +}
    • changedInput schema / properties / userCredentials / description
      Previous value: -"Your GitLab credentials (optional - uses shared token if not provided)"New value: +"Your GitLab credentials (optional — falls back to the configured env token if not provided)"
  4. First observedv1.7.3

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds useful scope detail by noting that system notes and inline MR comments are included, but it does not discuss permissions, pagination behavior, or rate limits beyond what the schema already says.

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 front-loaded sentence with no redundant or filler content. Every phrase adds relevant scope information.

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

Completeness4/5

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

Given the rich schema and read-only annotations, the description is largely complete for selecting and invoking the tool. The main gap is the absence of usage guidance relative to sibling tools like search_notes, but the core retrieval behavior is clear.

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%, so all seven parameters are already documented in the schema. The description reinforces the issue/merge-request targeting but does not add syntax, format, or filtering semantics beyond the 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 uses a specific verb and resource: 'Get notes (comments)' on an issue or merge request, and it clarifies that system notes and inline MR comments are included. It is clear what the tool does, though it does not explicitly distinguish itself from the sibling search_notes tool.

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 states what the tool retrieves but gives no explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives such as search_notes, nor does it mention prerequisites like project access. Usage is only implied by the issue/MR context.

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