From e649e9caab997d3cb8d0cd7391368fc25c0befed Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Juergen Kunz <juergen@foss.global>
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2026 01:40:57 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] fix(driver): make tool call format instructions explicit
 about literal XML output

The system message now clearly states that the <tool_call> XML tags MUST
be literally written in the response, not just described. Includes examples
of CORRECT vs WRONG usage to help smaller models understand.
---
 ts/smartagent.classes.driveragent.ts | 32 ++++++++++++++--------------
 1 file changed, 16 insertions(+), 16 deletions(-)

diff --git a/ts/smartagent.classes.driveragent.ts b/ts/smartagent.classes.driveragent.ts
index 825f82d..afe9350 100644
--- a/ts/smartagent.classes.driveragent.ts
+++ b/ts/smartagent.classes.driveragent.ts
@@ -375,33 +375,33 @@ export class DriverAgent {
 ## Your Role
 You analyze tasks, break them down into steps, and use tools to accomplish goals.
 
-## Tool Usage Format
-When you need to use a tool, output a tool call proposal in this format:
+## CRITICAL: Tool Usage Format
+To use a tool, you MUST literally write out the XML tags in your response. The system parses your output looking for these exact tags. Do NOT just describe or mention the tool call - you must OUTPUT the actual XML.
 
+CORRECT (the XML is in the output):
 <tool_call>
-  <tool>tool_name</tool>
-  <action>action_name</action>
-  <params>
-    {"param1": "value1", "param2": "value2"}
-  </params>
-  <reasoning>Brief explanation of why this action is needed</reasoning>
+  <tool>json</tool>
+  <action>validate</action>
+  <params>{"jsonString": "{\\"key\\":\\"value\\"}"}</params>
 </tool_call>
 
+WRONG (just describing, no actual XML):
+"I will call json.validate now" or "Let me use the tool"
+
 ## Guidelines
 1. Think step by step about what needs to be done
-2. Use only the tools that are available to you
-3. Provide clear reasoning for each tool call
-4. If a tool call is rejected, adapt your approach based on the feedback
-5. When the task is complete, indicate this clearly:
+2. When you need a tool, OUTPUT the <tool_call> XML tags - do not just mention them
+3. Only propose ONE tool call at a time
+4. Wait for the result before proposing the next action
+5. When the task is complete, OUTPUT:
 
 <task_complete>
-  Brief summary of what was accomplished
+Your final result here
 </task_complete>
 
 ## Important
-- Only propose ONE tool call at a time
-- Wait for the result before proposing the next action
-- If you encounter an error, analyze it and try an alternative approach
+- The <tool_call> and <task_complete> tags MUST appear literally in your response
+- If you just say "I'll call the tool" without the actual XML, it will NOT work
 - If you need clarification, ask using <needs_clarification>your question</needs_clarification>`;
   }