03 // Resource guide
Updated June 2026Anatomy of a harness
Context, tools, connectors, MCPs, APIs, skills, computer use, and automations are related, but they are not interchangeable.
Bottom line
The model provides intelligence. The harness becomes useful by adding the right context, access, actions, and reusable instructions around it.
01 // Core parts
The plain-language map
Context
01The facts, files, examples, preferences, and history the AI should use for this task.
Tool
02A specific action the AI can take, such as web search, file editing, code execution, or calculation.
Connector
03A packaged connection to an outside service or account, such as Gmail, Drive, Calendar, or Slack.
Plugin
04A bundle that can add instructions, connectors, commands, tools, or specialized behavior to a harness.
MCP
05An open standard that lets AI applications connect to external data, tools, and workflows through a common pattern.
API
06A defined software interface that lets one program request data or actions from another service.
Skill
07Saved reusable instructions for how a repeated task should be completed and checked.
Automation
08A workflow triggered by a schedule or event instead of being rebuilt manually each time.
02 // Access order
Prefer the most precise path
| Method | Best when | Main caution |
|---|---|---|
| Local files | The work already lives in a selected folder | Scope the folder carefully |
| Connector | A supported service has structured data or actions | Confirm the account and permissions |
| MCP | A harness needs a reusable standard connection | Trust and review the server |
| Computer use | No direct connector or tool exists | Slower and easier to mis-click |
| API | You are building software or a custom automation | Credentials, cost, and error handling |
03 // Build the stack
Add capability in this order
- 01
Define the outcome
Name what done looks like before adding tools or access.
- 02
Add durable context
Give it the smallest trustworthy set of files, examples, and preferences.
- 03
Connect only what is needed
Add the exact service or tool the workflow requires.
- 04
Save the procedure as a skill
Capture the repeatable steps, output format, and verification rules.
- 05
Automate only after it works
Run it manually, inspect failures, then schedule or trigger it.
04 // Permission rule
Access is not permission
- Being able to read a file does not mean the AI should share it.
- Being able to open a website does not mean the AI should submit or publish.
- Being able to edit a folder does not mean the AI should delete or overwrite important work.
- Use the narrowest access that can complete the task, then verify the result.
Official sources