6 micro-topics in AI Systems, each with the evidence that proves you have it and the written reason behind every link. Before you start, it rests on 4 other domains. Downstream, it holds up 1 domain.
6 topics · depth 8–10 of 16 · 5 internal links · 4 in · 3 out
Load-bearing links first. Each one says what in this domain rests on what outside it, and why.
1 link
Declare tools for a model rests on Design an API contract
A tool declaration is a contract for the model.
1 link
Expose capability over MCP rests on Route requests in FastAPI
A server exposes the tools.
1 link
Draw the model boundary rests on Reason about nondeterministic output
The boundary exists because model output varies.
1 link
Declare tools for a model rests on Get structured output
Tool arguments arrive as structured output.
In prerequisite order. Each idea names the artifact that closes it, the market demand that put it on the map, and what it stands on.
Depth 8 · representational · scaffolded · M17 §17.5
Describes callable functions and their schemas
Design an API contract · API Contracts
A tool declaration is a contract for the model.
Get structured output · Model Integration
Tool arguments arrive as structured output.
Depth 9 · procedural · scaffolded · M17 §17.5
Runs the call and feeds the result back
You execute a call you declared.
Depth 9 · representational · guided · M20 §20.2
Serves tools through a standard protocol
MCP standardizes declarations you can already write.
Route requests in FastAPI · FastAPI
A server exposes the tools.
Depth 10 · conceptual · guided · M17 §17.5
Handles several calls, including in parallel
Execute and return tool results
Multiple calls extend one call.
Depth 10 · conceptual · scaffolded · M17 §17.5
Handles a tool that errors or returns nothing
Execute and return tool results
Recovery handles a call that ran and failed.
Depth 10 · meta · scaffolded · M20 §20.4
Decides what the model does and what code does
Execute and return tool results
You can only draw the line once you have seen both sides run.
Reason about nondeterministic output · Model Foundations
The boundary exists because model output varies.
Everything downstream that names an idea here as a prerequisite, grouped by where it lives.
3 links
Run an agent loop rests on Execute and return tool results
The loop calls tools.
Decide when a step needs an agent rests on Draw the model boundary
The agent question is the model boundary drawn one level up.
Run an agent loop rests on Recover from tool failure
Loops depend on surviving individual tool failures.
Retool. Retrain. Relaunch.
375 ideas. 17 weeks. No tuition, ever.
Vets Who Code is a veteran-run 501(c)(3). The accelerator is free, remote, and we don’t take a share of your first paycheck.
Free · Remote · 17 weeks · EIN 86-2122804