Structured Outputs vs. Function Calling: Which Should Your Agent Use?

# What You Need to Know About Getting AI to Follow Instructions AI systems are fundamentally designed to produce text, but when you need them to perform specific tasks—like filling out forms or triggering actions—you can force them to return information in a structured format that other software can actually use. The choice between "structured outputs" (rigid templates) and "function calling" (letting AI pick which action to take) comes down to whether you want total control or more flexibility, and picking the right one depends on your specific business needs.