Progressive Detail

# Progressive Detail

Return summary by default, full detail on request.

## Category
Tool Output

## Context
Data with varying levels of detail needed.

## Problem
Agents often need a summary first, then details for specific items.

## Solution
Layer detail levels:
- **Summary mode**: Essential fields only (default)
- **Full mode**: All fields included
- **Selective expansion**: Specify which sections

## Example (Python)
```python
class DetailLevel(Enum):
    SUMMARY = "summary"
    FULL = "full"

@tool
def get_issue(
    issue_id: str,
    detail: DetailLevel = DetailLevel.SUMMARY,
    include_comments: bool = False,
    include_attachments: bool = False
) -> Issue:
    """Get issue with configurable detail level.
    
    Default returns summary. Use detail='full' or
    include_* flags for more information.
    """
    issue = issues_api.get(issue_id)
    if detail == DetailLevel.SUMMARY:
        return summarize_issue(issue)
    return expand_issue(issue, include_comments, include_attachments)
```

## Considerations
- Default to summary (most common need)
- Allow selective expansion of sections
- Document what each level includes

## Related Patterns
- token-efficient-response
- schema-explorer
- response-shaper

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Source: https://arcade.dev/patterns/progressive-detail