Definition
Structured outputs force AI models to generate responses in specific, predictable formats.
- **Implementation Methods:**
- JSON Mode: Guarantee valid JSON output
- Schema Enforcement: Match specific JSON schemas
- Grammar Constraints: Use CFG to constrain generation
- Function Calling: Format as tool invocations
Why It Matters: - Reliable parsing for applications - Reduces post-processing errors - Better integration with code - Type-safe AI outputs
Providers: - OpenAI: JSON mode, function calling - Anthropic: Tool use with schemas - Open source: Outlines, Guidance, LMQL
Use Cases: - API responses - Data extraction - Form filling - Database operations
Examples
Extracting product information from reviews into a structured database format.
Related Terms
A way for software applications to communicate and share data with each other.
The practice of designing effective prompts to get better outputs from AI models.
The ability of AI models to use external tools, APIs, and functions to extend their capabilities.
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