gh-cskiro-claudex/skills/api/json-structured-outputs/strict-tool-implementer/reference/common-patterns.md

Common Agentic Patterns

Pattern 1: Sequential Workflow

Tools execute in sequence (search → book → confirm):

# User: "Book a flight to Paris"
# Agent executes:
1. search_flights(origin="SF", destination="Paris", ...)
2. book_flight(flight_id="F1", passengers=[...])
3. send_confirmation(confirmation_id="ABC123")

Pattern 2: Parallel Tool Execution

Multiple independent tools (flights + hotels):

# User: "Find flights and hotels for Paris trip"
# Agent can call in parallel (if your implementation supports it):
1. search_flights(destination="Paris", ...)
2. search_hotels(city="Paris", ...)

Pattern 3: Conditional Branching

Tool selection based on context:

# User: "Plan my trip"
# Agent decides which tools to call based on conversation:
if budget_conscious:
    search_flights(class="economy")
else:
    search_flights(class="business")

Important Reminders

1. Always set strict: true - This enables validation
2. Require additionalProperties: false - Enforced by strict mode
3. Use enums for constrained values - Better than free text
4. Clear descriptions matter - Claude uses these to decide when to call tools
5. Tool inputs are guaranteed valid - No validation needed in tool functions
6. Handle tool execution failures - External APIs can fail
7. Test multi-step workflows - Edge cases appear in tool composition
8. Monitor agent behavior - Track tool usage patterns and failures