> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.noxus.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Agent Best Practices

> Guidelines for creating effective and secure AI assistants

Follow these best practices to create reliable, efficient, and secure agents in Noxus.

## Instructions & Prompts

| Practice | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| :- | :- | :- |
| **Be Specific** | Write clear, detailed instructions about agent behavior | Reduces ambiguity and improves consistency |
| **Provide Context** | Give agents domain knowledge and background information | Enables more informed and accurate responses |
| **Set Boundaries** | Explicitly state what agents should NOT do | Prevents unwanted behavior and maintains control |
| **Define Success** | Explain what a successful outcome looks like | Helps agents understand desired results |
| **Use Examples** | Show examples of good responses in instructions | Guides agents toward preferred output format |

## Tool Configuration

| Practice | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| :- | :- | :- |
| **Selective Access** | Enable only tools relevant to agent's purpose | Reduces complexity and potential errors |
| **Permission Controls** | Configure appropriate tool permissions | Maintains security and prevents misuse |
| **Usage Limits** | Set reasonable limits on tool calls | Controls costs and prevents runaway execution |
| **Monitor Usage** | Track which tools are used and how often | Identifies optimization opportunities |
| **Test Tools** | Verify tool access works correctly | Ensures agent can complete intended tasks |

## Testing & Iteration

| Practice | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| :- | :- | :- |
| **Start Simple** | Begin with basic configuration, add complexity gradually | Easier to identify what works and what doesn't |
| **Test Scenarios** | Try various conversation paths and edge cases | Uncovers unexpected behaviors |
| **Review Conversations** | Regularly check conversation logs | Identifies areas for improvement |
| **Iterate Continuously** | Refine instructions based on real usage | Improves quality over time |
| **Monitor Performance** | Track response quality and user satisfaction | Measures agent effectiveness |

## Security & Safety

| Practice | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| :- | :- | :- |
| **Access Control** | Implement role-based permissions | Protects sensitive data and operations |
| **Data Handling** | Define clear rules for handling user data | Ensures compliance and privacy |
| **Audit Logging** | Enable comprehensive logging | Provides accountability and debugging info |
| **Rate Limiting** | Set appropriate usage limits per user | Prevents abuse and controls costs |
| **Escalation Rules** | Define when to escalate to humans | Ensures critical issues get proper attention |
| **Content Filtering** | Implement input/output validation | Prevents inappropriate content |

## Performance & Cost

| Practice | What to Do | Why It Matters |
| :- | :- | :- |
| **Model Selection** | Choose appropriate model for task complexity | Balances quality with cost and speed |
| **Spend Limits** | Set a model provider spend limit in [Usage controls](https://docs.noxus.ai/platform/billing/how-billing-works.md#usage-controls) | Caps model spend for a workspace or the organization |
| **Cache Responses** | Cache frequently asked questions | Reduces costs and improves speed |
| **Monitor Costs** | Track spending per conversation | Identifies expensive patterns |
| **Optimize Prompts** | Keep instructions concise but clear | Reduces token usage without losing quality |

## Common Pitfalls to Avoid

> **Instruction Issues**
>
> * Vague or ambiguous instructions
> * Instructions that conflict with each other
> * Missing examples of desired behavior
> * Not defining agent limitations
> * Overly complex instructions

> **Tool Configuration**
>
> * Enabling too many tools (confuses the agent)
> * Not testing tool access before deployment
> * Missing error handling for tool failures
> * No limits on expensive operations
> * Tools without clear purpose

> **Security & Safety**
>
> * No content filtering or validation
> * Missing escalation rules
> * Insufficient access controls
> * No monitoring or alerting
> * Ignoring compliance requirements

## Next Steps

* Learn about [prompts and instructions](https://docs.noxus.ai/platform/agents/prompts-instructions.md)
* Explore [agent tools configuration](https://docs.noxus.ai/platform/agents/tools.md)
* See [deployment options](https://docs.noxus.ai/platform/agents/deployments.md)


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