Tool Masking: The Layer MCP Forgot

Exposing raw APIs directly to AI agents through protocols like MCP creates bloated prompts, increases token usage, and degrades execution quality. The concept of "tool masking" is introduced as a missing layer that shapes and simplifies the tool interface the model interacts with. By creating narrow, purpose-built tool definitions from a complex underlying API, developers can control the surface area presented to the agent. This optimization improves accuracy, reduces costs and latency, and ultimately enables more effective and reliable AI agents.