The use of the definite article in "I extended the list of keywords"

[Zoli]

Hello,
If I have the sentence "I extended the list of keywords". In this sentence the definite article is not necessarily needed before the noun, right? we don't know more specific information about the keywords.

However, if I make it more specific by adding something that answers the question: What kind of keywords? then the definite article is needed, right? For example: "I extended the list of the TODO keywords."

TODO all capitalized is not a proper English words but let's say it is a label in a computer program that targets a specific set of keywords.

 

[Zoli]

As far as I know the definite article is used if we are talking about a specific thing. That's why I'm not sure if it is required when we don't specify TODO.

 

[jutfrank]

If I have the sentence "I extended the list of keywords". In this sentence the definite article is not necessarily needed before the noun, right? we don't know more specific information about the keywords.

That sentence makes sense without a definite article, yes.

However, if I make it more specific by adding something that answers the question: What kind of keywords? then the definite article is needed, right? For example: "I extended the list of the TODO keywords."

No, that's not right. Modifying a noun doesn't mean the noun phrase must become definite. So the sentence still makes sense even if you add TODO.

Definite articles don't say anything about what kind. They say only which one(s).