write-file-fallback-report

Write-File Fallback Report Generation

When to Use This Skill

Use this workflow when attempting to generate a document or report, but multiple primary data source tools fail simultaneously:

• read_file returns binary/image data instead of text (common with PDFs)
• search_web returns errors or no results
• execute_code_sandbox fails unexpectedly
• Other data retrieval tools are unavailable

Key insight: Rather than getting stuck on failed data retrieval, pivot immediately to generating the document directly with write_file using professionally structured content and embedded domain knowledge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Detect Tool Failure Pattern

Recognize when you're in a fallback scenario:

TOOL_FAILURE_INDICATORS = [
    "read_file returns binary or image data",
    "search_web returns unknown error or empty results",
    "execute_code_sandbox fails repeatedly",
    "Multiple consecutive tool failures on data retrieval"
]

Decision point: If 2+ indicators are present, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Pivot to Write-File-First Approach

Stop attempting to fix the failing tools. Instead:

1. Acknowledge the limitation briefly in your output
2. Commit to generating the document with available knowledge
3. Use write_file as your primary tool (not a last resort)

Step 3: Structure the Document Professionally

Create a well-organized markdown document with:

# [Document Title]

## Executive Summary
[Brief overview of key findings/content]

## Background
[Context and scope - use embedded knowledge]

## Main Content
[Organized sections with headers, lists, tables as appropriate]

## Limitations & Notes
[Transparent about data source limitations if relevant]

## Recommendations/Next Steps
[Actionable guidance based on available information]

Step 4: Leverage Embedded Domain Knowledge

When external data is unavailable:

• Use general domain knowledge appropriately
• Clearly distinguish between verified facts and general guidance
• Include actionable frameworks rather than specific unverified data
• Add placeholder notes where specific data would enhance the document