Structured outputs
Getting models to return **JSON/schemas** (or other strict formats) so software can parse results safely.
What it is
Getting models to return JSON/schemas (or other strict formats) so software can parse results safely.
Why it matters
Agents and workflows break on free-form prose. Structure enables tools and validation.
How it works (plain)
Provide a schema → use constrained decoding / JSON mode when available → validate → retry or repair on failure.
Try it
Ask for a recipe as JSON with fields title, minutes, steps[]; validate it in code.
Myths
- ⚠️ Myth: “Return JSON” in English is enough.
- ✓ Reality: Constraints + validation beat polite requests alone.
Sources
- Course 08 prompting-patterns; Course 10 tool-use
- Provider structured output docs (cite specifically)