Timeout Boundary

# Timeout Boundary

Define maximum execution time with graceful termination.

## Category
Tool Execution

## Context
Any tool that calls external services.

## Problem
Hung operations block agents indefinitely.

## Solution
Set timeout boundaries:
- **Define limit**: Maximum execution time
- **Graceful termination**: Clean up on timeout
- **Partial results**: Return what completed
- **Clear error**: Explain what timed out

## Example (Python)
```python
@tool(timeout_seconds=30)
def search_database(query: str) -> SearchResult:
    """Search database. Times out after 30 seconds.
    
    If timeout occurs, returns partial results if available.
    """
    with timeout(30, return_partial=True):
        return db.search(query)
```

## Considerations
- Set appropriate timeouts for each operation
- Return partial results when possible
- Log timeouts for monitoring

## Related Patterns
- async-job
- synchronous-execution
- graceful-degradation

---
Source: https://arcade.dev/patterns/timeout-boundary