# Structured Outputs

> Constraining model responses to match a defined schema such as JSON with required fields.

- Category: Tools & Protocols
- Stage: Established
- Also called: Schema-constrained output, JSON mode
- Canonical: https://www.joelcsaji.com/ai-dictionary/structured-outputs

## Plain English

Instead of a paragraph, the model returns data your program can parse.

## Example

A classifier returns `{ sentiment: "positive", confidence: 0.86 }`.

## Why it matters

Structured outputs make AI features easier to test, automate, and integrate with existing systems.

## Related

- [Function Calling](https://www.joelcsaji.com/ai-dictionary/function-calling)
- [Constrained Decoding](https://www.joelcsaji.com/ai-dictionary/constrained-decoding)

## Sources

- [OpenAI: Structured Outputs](https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/structured-outputs)
- [OpenAI: Function Calling](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/function-calling)