Define a JSON Schema Concept for Triage Output
Explore how to define and enforce a strict JSON schema for triage outputs to maintain reliable automation in AI workflows. Learn to specify required keys, allowed values, and handle unknowns to prevent routing errors and ensure predictable, testable behavior.
Downstream automation can fail when model output changes a data type or returns an unexpected label. If priority is returned as an integer instead of a string, or needs_human is returned as "false" instead of the JSON boolean false, the router may reject the output or handle it incorrectly. To make routing predictable, define and validate a strict schema for every required key, data type, and allowed value. In this lesson, we will explore the core concepts of a triage output schema, define explicit rules for null handling, and build a schema card that gives prompts and code reviews the same output contract. Here is the minimal triage JSON object needed for rule-based routing:
{"category": "bug","priority": "normal","next_action": "reply","needs_human": false}
When even one detail drifts, downstream steps stop being mechanical. If priority flips from “normal” to 2, a rule like if priority in [“high”] then escalate never matches. If needs_human becomes “false” as a string, boolean checks break. If next_action is missing, routing has to guess.
Concept-first schema checklist
1. Smallest useful JSON (Only required keys)
{"category": "billing","priority": "high","next_action": "escalate","needs_human": true}
Required keys checklist:
categoryprioritynext_actionneeds_human
This is the minimal, complete payload a router needs to make a clear decision.
The schema is a practical checklist for consistency, not a formal tooling or ...