BuildBeginner40 min read
2. The tool loop
AI Agents & Workflows · 12 pages source format
Observe → think → act → observe. Cap steps. Log every tool call.
What you'll learn
- Tools
- Budgets
- Logs
Tools are APIs with manners
Give each tool a clear name, input schema, and “when to use” note in the system prompt.
system: You may use search(), fetch_url(), draft_email().
Stop after 5 tool calls. Cite sources.Do this now
Write a system prompt with 2 tools and a step budget.
Pro tip. Prefer retrieval over inventing facts.
Clear?
Guardrails
Allow-lists, human approval for send/delete, and red-team prompts that try to escape.
Do this now
Add one “ask human before…” rule.
Clear?