Side Quest: Diagnosing Common Agent Output Patterns

Optional: use this side quest when a run behaves unexpectedly, then return to Reading Workflow Output.

:dart: What You'll Do

You will diagnose five common output patterns one at a time. Each micro-step includes a short explanation, a realistic log snippet, and an identify-before-reveal exercise.

:clipboard: Before You Start

• Complete Reading Workflow Output

Pattern Lab Index

Pattern	What you learn	Micro-step
Long [plan] chain	How to turn planning loops into concrete tool calls	09-01a
Empty tool results	How to separate permission issues from filter issues	09-01b
Safe-output limit reached	How to decide between raising max and tightening guidance	09-01c
permission denied	How to map failures to permissions vs safe-outputs	09-01d
"Done" with no write	How to clarify write conditions and fallback behavior	09-01e

Need a reusable triage flow after the pattern drills? Open the Debugging Checklist.

✅ Checkpoint

• I can choose the right micro-step from the pattern table
• I can use the exercise format to identify each pattern before checking the answer
• I can open the checklist page when I need full run triage
• I know to return to Step 9 after this side quest