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Constraint Handling

Master constraint handling to build safe, compliant agents that operate within defined limits

Validation Strategies

Defining constraints is only half the battle—you need validation strategies to enforce them. The key question: When and how do you check? Validate too early and you limit flexibility. Validate too late and you've already wasted resources.

Three Validation Stages

Pre-Execution Validation

Check constraints BEFORE taking action. Fastest and safest approach—prevents wasted resources and dangerous operations before they start.

Advantages
  • • Catches violations immediately—no wasted compute
  • • Prevents dangerous actions before they execute
  • • Clear feedback to users/agents about what's allowed
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Limitations
  • • Can't check dynamic constraints (outcome-dependent)
  • • May be too restrictive for exploratory tasks
  • • Requires accurate prediction of action results

Example: Before booking a flight, check budget limit. If cost exceeds limit, reject immediately without making API call to booking service.

Interactive: Live Validation

Try typing to see real-time pre-execution constraint validation in action

Validation Best Practices

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Fail Fast

Validate critical constraints early. Don't waste resources on operations that will fail later.

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Layer Defenses

Use multiple validation stages. Pre + Runtime + Post creates robust safety nets.

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Clear Messages

When constraints fail, explain why and how to fix. Help agents/users learn.

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Rollback Plans

For runtime/post validation, have compensation strategies ready for violations.