TodoList MCP Server
A comprehensive Python MCP server for managing ToDoList (.tdl) XML files. This server provides full CRUD operations for tasks in the ToDoList application format, allowing you to manage your tasks programmatically while maintaining compatibility with the ToDoList desktop application.
Features
- Full CRUD Operations: Create, read, update, and delete tasks
- Hierarchical Task Support: Handle nested tasks and subtasks
- Rich Metadata: Support for priorities, due dates, categories, assignments, and progress tracking
- Search and Filtering: Advanced task filtering by various criteria
- ToDoList Compatibility: Full compatibility with ToDoList application XML format
- Real-time Sync: Works with live ToDoList files
Prerequisites
- Python 3.7 or higher
- ToDoList application (for .tdl file creation)
Installation
- Clone this repository:
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/todolist-mcp.git
cd todolist-mcp
- Install dependencies:
pip install -r requirements.txt
Configuration
By default, the server monitors D:\Projects\mylist.tdl. You can change this by modifying the DEFAULT_TDL_FILE constant in tdl_mcp_server.py.
Usage
Starting the Server
python tdl_mcp_server.py
Available Tools
Task Management
get_my_tasks: Get all tasks from your main ToDoList fileget_today_tasks: Get tasks due today (or specific date)add_task: Create new tasks with full metadataupdate_task: Update existing tasksmove_task: Move tasks to different positions in the hierarchyget_task: Get detailed information about a specific task
Search and Filtering
search_tasks: Search and filter tasks by various criteria
File Operations
get_file_status: Check ToDoList file status and statisticsread_any_tdl_file: Read tasks from any .tdl fileanalyze_structure: Analyze the XML structure of ToDoList files
Example MCP Configuration
Add to your MCP client configuration:
{
"mcpServers": {
"todolist": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["path/to/todolist-mcp/tdl_mcp_server.py"]
}
}
}
API Reference
Task Operations
Create a Task
add_task({
"title": "Complete project documentation",
"description": "Write comprehensive README files",
"due_date": "2024-12-31",
"priority": "High",
"category": "Documentation"
})
Update a Task
update_task({
"task_id": "123",
"percent_done": 75,
"allocated_to": "John Doe",
"priority": "Above Normal"
})
Search Tasks
search_tasks({
"search_term": "documentation",
"category": "Work",
"completed": false,
"priority": "High"
})
Task Properties
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
title | string | Task title |
description | string | Detailed task description |
due_date | string | Due date (YYYY-MM-DD format) |
priority | enum | Low, Below Normal, Normal, Above Normal, High, Urgent |
category | string | Task category or project |
allocated_to | string | Person(s) assigned to the task |
percent_done | integer | Completion percentage (0-100) |
position | string | Hierarchical position (e.g., "1.2.3") |
Project Structure
todolist-mcp/
├── tdl_mcp_server.py # Main MCP server
├── requirements.txt # Python dependencies
├── test_server.py # Server tests
├── test_update_functionality.py # Update functionality tests
├── claude_desktop_config.json # Example MCP configuration
├── Introduction.tdl # Sample ToDoList file
└── README.md # This file
ToDoList File Format
The server works with ToDoList's native XML format (.tdl files). Key features:
- Hierarchical Structure: Tasks can have unlimited nested subtasks
- Rich Metadata: Supports all ToDoList fields and properties
- Position Tracking: Maintains task order and hierarchy
- Compatibility: Files remain fully compatible with ToDoList application
Example Task Structure
<TASK ID="1" TITLE="Project Alpha" PRIORITY="1" DUEDATE="44927">
<CATEGORY>Work</CATEGORY>
<ALLOCATEDTO>John Doe</ALLOCATEDTO>
<TASK ID="2" TITLE="Research Phase" PERCENTDONE="100">
<TASK ID="3" TITLE="Market Analysis" PERCENTDONE="100"/>
<TASK ID="4" TITLE="Competitor Review" PERCENTDONE="75"/>
</TASK>
</TASK>
Testing
Run the test suite:
python test_server.py
python test_update_functionality.py
Integration with ToDoList Application
This MCP server is designed to work alongside the ToDoList desktop application:
- Live Editing: Modify files that ToDoList has open
- Real-time Updates: Changes appear immediately in ToDoList
- Backup Safety: ToDoList maintains automatic backups
- Format Preservation: All ToDoList-specific formatting is preserved
Advanced Features
Hierarchical Task Management
- Create nested task structures
- Move tasks between hierarchy levels
- Maintain parent-child relationships
Position Management
# Add task at specific position
add_task({"title": "New Task", "position": "1.2.3"})
# Move task to new location
move_task({"task_id": "123", "new_position": "2.1"})
Flexible Searching
# Complex search example
search_tasks({
"search_term": "urgent",
"category": "Work",
"priority": "High",
"completed": false,
"assigned_to": "John"
})
Error Handling
The server provides comprehensive error handling:
- File validation and format checking
- Task ID validation
- Date format verification
- Hierarchy consistency checks
Performance Considerations
- File Size: Optimized for large ToDoList files (1000+ tasks)
- Memory Usage: Efficient XML parsing and manipulation
- Concurrent Access: Safe for use with ToDoList application running
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
- File Access: Ensure the .tdl file exists and is accessible
- XML Format: Verify the file is a valid ToDoList XML format
- Permissions: Check file write permissions
- ToDoList Lock: Close ToDoList if experiencing file lock issues
Debug Mode
Enable detailed logging:
python -u tdl_mcp_server.py
Contributing
- Fork the repository
- Create a feature branch
- Add tests for new functionality
- Ensure ToDoList compatibility
- Submit a pull request
License
Licensed under the Apache License 2.0. See LICENSE file for details.
Support
For issues and questions, please open an issue on GitHub.
Changelog
v0.4.0
- Added comprehensive task management
- Improved hierarchical support
- Enhanced search capabilities
- Better error handling
v0.3.0
- Added update functionality
- Position management
- File status checking
v0.2.0
- Initial CRUD operations
- Basic search functionality
v0.1.0
- Initial release
- Read-only operations