Chapter guide
Inspect identity checks, data, retrieval, rules, the model, tools and authoritative business records separately. Locate the failing step before choosing a repair; not every failure is a model hallucination.
A tool timeout can mean the action happened or did not happen. Check the business record before retrying. Idempotency means repeating the same request does not create another business action; it must be implemented and tested, not assumed.
For long-running agents, inspect session records, the execution loop and the runtime. Check persistence, recovery, permissions and isolation. Managed infrastructure still leaves customer-side data and business responsibilities to assign.
Discussion question
Where do you confirm that an action happened when the model says it did?
Related exercise
Follow the related lesson below and try its exercise. Use the linked template to record your judgment, evidence and open questions, then revise with the checklist. With a partner, check which parts of each other’s work need clarification.