Orchestration
What is structured output?
Structured output constrains a model to JSON or a schema, so downstream columns get typed fields instead of free prose.
Updated · Part of What is an AI function?
How it works
- The call asks for a schema.
- The result is stored as JSON or split into columns.
- Later expressions read fields, not a paragraph.
What it is not
It is not parsing markdown with a regular expression after the fact.
structured output: this, and the thing it is confused with
| This | Not this | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Fields you named | A paragraph |
| Failure | Invalid JSON you can see | A regex miss |
| Downstream | Typed columns | More parsing |
Where Pixeltable fits
Pixeltable can store the JSON from a model call and validate it, including with types you describe beside the column.
Questions
- How does structured output work?
- The call asks for a schema. The result is stored as JSON or split into columns. Later expressions read fields, not a paragraph.
- What is structured output often confused with?
- It is not parsing markdown with a regular expression after the fact.