shipitagent

Tools · Planning and checking

decompose_problem

Read-only

Break a problem into workstreams, assumptions, risks, evidence needs, and next actions.

When to use: Use this when the task needs visible structured reasoning before execution.

Example

Run for real by scripts/tool-examples.py in a small demo project, with Haiku 5.5 where the tool calls a model. The output is exactly what the tool returned.

The call

tool call
{
  "tool": "decompose_problem",
  "arguments": {
    "problem": "Nightly CSV exports time out for large accounts",
    "objective": "Exports finish under 5 minutes"
  }
}

Real output

Problem: Nightly CSV exports time out for large accounts
Objective: Exports finish under 5 minutes
Workstreams:
1. Clarify scope and target outcome.
2. Gather missing evidence and dependencies.
3. Execute the highest-value actions first.
4. Verify the result against constraints and risks.
Assumptions:
- The available tools and data are sufficient to make progress.
- The task can be advanced through observable intermediate outputs.
Risks:
- Missing credentials, context, or external dependencies can block execution.
- Ambiguous requirements can create wasted work.
Evidence Needed:
- Confirm the source of truth for important decisions.
- Check current workspace state before making irreversible changes.
Next Actions:
- Pick the first evidence-gathering step.
- Execute one verifiable task.
- Reassess after each meaningful result.

Parameters

NameTypeDescription
problem*stringProblem or task to break down
objectivestringDesired outcome
constraintsarrayKnown limits or requirements

* required

Plan the work, weigh options, and check results before answering.