Structured outputs and bounded tools
Check structured answers before allowing a tool to run.
Reviewed: 2026-10-03
Source-based teaching example · Fictional data
Narration: Microsoft Mark · locally synthesized

00:00:00.000 — What you will learn

Check structured answers before allowing a tool to run.

Visual description:
Check structured answers before allowing a tool to run.

00:00:06.208 — The idea

Validate the output’s fields and values. Then check its evidence and permission separately. Correct formatting does not establish truth or authority.

Visual description:
Validate the output’s fields and values. Then check its evidence and permission separately. Correct formatting does not establish truth or authority.

00:00:18.875 — One useful term

Schema. A set of rules for the fields, types and values an output may contain.

Visual description:
A set of rules for the fields, types and values an output may contain.

00:00:27.542 — A worked example

The classifier can use two training lookup tools. Requests for an unlisted tool, unknown ID or confidence above one are rejected before execution. A correctly formatted answer also fails if its required source is missing.

Visual description:
The classifier can use two training lookup tools. Requests for an unlisted tool, unknown ID or confidence above one are rejected before execution. A correctly formatted answer also fails if its required source is missing.

00:00:45.542 — Your turn to think

Does valid JSON prove the action is allowed? Pause and decide before continuing.

Visual description:
Does valid JSON prove the action is allowed?
Pause the video if you need more time.

00:01:02.208 — Why this answer works

No. Format, source support and permission are separate checks. A generation setting cannot replace them.

Visual description:
No. Format, source support and permission are separate checks. A generation setting cannot replace them.

00:01:12.875 — Check 1

Validate fields before execution.

Visual description:
Validate fields before execution.

00:01:18.208 — Check 2

Check required source evidence.

Visual description:
Check required source evidence.

00:01:23.208 — Check 3

Enforce tool and ownership limits.

Visual description:
Enforce tool and ownership limits.

00:01:28.458 — Now try a different case

Open the lesson and try its different practice case. Use every check in the full task. Watching alone does not mark the lesson complete.

Visual description:
Open the lesson
Try the new case
Check and revise
The full task and its requirements are in the linked lesson.