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GitLab MCP Server

GitLab MCP Server

by ttpears

Iterations

list_iterations
Read-onlyIdempotent

Lists a GitLab group's iterations (sprints) with cadence details, optionally filtered by state, to track planning cycles. Requires GitLab Premium or Ultimate.

Instructions

List iterations (sprints) for a group with cadence info. Requires GitLab Premium/Ultimate.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
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 iterations to retrieve
stateNoFilter by state: upcoming, current, opened, closed (omit for all)
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).
groupPathYesFull path of the group (e.g., "my-group" or "parent/child-group")
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

A3.6/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already establish that this is a safe, read-only, idempotent operation. The description adds two relevant behavioral facts beyond annotations: it returns cadence information and requires a Premium or Ultimate GitLab tier. It omits pagination behavior, but that is fully documented in the schema.

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 definition is two sentences, front-loads the core operation, and adds the licensing prerequisite without padding. Every phrase carries useful information for an agent deciding whether and how to call the tool.

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?

For a six-parameter read-only tool with rich schema descriptions, the definition supplies the essential purpose, return hint ('cadence info'), and licensing prerequisite. It does not detail return values, which is a modest gap because no output schema exists, but the schema already covers all parameter-level behavior an agent needs.

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 six parameters, including pagination, state filtering, groupPath, and credentials fallback, are already documented in the input schema. The description adds only the implicit notion that a group is required and does not provide parameter meaning 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 gives a clear verb and resource: 'List iterations (sprints) for a group with cadence info.' It also clarifies that iterations are sprints, which helps disambiguate from milestone-related siblings, but it does not explicitly differentiate itself from the nearby list_milestones 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 only contextual guidance is the licensing prerequisite ('Requires GitLab Premium/Ultimate'), which is useful but does not explain when to choose this tool over alternatives. There is no mention of when not to use it, how it relates to milestone listing, or what to do if the feature is unavailable.

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