feat(llm): try to improve tool and tool calling, part 1

apps/server/src/services/llm/pipeline/stages/tool_calling_stage.ts

@@ -483,27 +483,51 @@ export class ToolCallingStage extends BasePipelineStage<ToolExecutionInput, { re
         log.info(`Follow-up needed: ${needsFollowUp}`);
         log.info(`Reasoning: ${hasToolResults ? 'Has tool results to process' : 'No tool results'} ${hasErrors ? ', contains errors' : ''} ${hasEmptyResults ? ', contains empty results' : ''}`);
 
-        // Add a system message with hints for empty results
+        // Add aggressive system message for continued tool usage
-        if (hasEmptyResults && needsFollowUp) {
+        if (needsFollowUp) {
-            log.info('Adding system message requiring the LLM to run additional tools with different parameters');
+            log.info('Adding enhanced system message to encourage continued tool usage');
 
-            // Build a more directive message based on which tools were empty
+            let directiveMessage = '';
+
+            if (hasEmptyResults) {
+                // Empty results - be very directive about trying alternatives
                 const emptyToolNames = toolResultMessages
                     .filter(msg => this.isEmptyToolResult(msg.content, msg.name || ''))
                     .map(msg => msg.name);
 
-            let directiveMessage = `YOU MUST NOT GIVE UP AFTER A SINGLE EMPTY SEARCH RESULT. `;
+                directiveMessage = `CRITICAL INSTRUCTION: YOU MUST NOT STOP AFTER EMPTY RESULTS!\n\n`;
+                directiveMessage += `REQUIRED ACTIONS:\n`;
                 
-            if (emptyToolNames.includes('search_notes') || emptyToolNames.includes('keyword_search')) {
+                if (emptyToolNames.includes('search_notes')) {
-                directiveMessage += `IMMEDIATELY RUN ANOTHER SEARCH TOOL with broader search terms, alternative keywords, or related concepts. `;
+                    directiveMessage += `1. IMMEDIATELY use keyword_search_notes with specific terms\n`;
-                directiveMessage += `Try synonyms, more general terms, or related topics. `;
+                    directiveMessage += `2. Try attribute_search if content might be tagged/categorized\n`;
+                    directiveMessage += `3. Use discover_tools to find alternative approaches\n`;
                 }
                 
-            if (emptyToolNames.includes('keyword_search')) {
+                if (emptyToolNames.includes('keyword_search_notes')) {
-                directiveMessage += `IMMEDIATELY TRY SEARCH_NOTES INSTEAD as it might find matches where keyword search failed. `;
+                    directiveMessage += `1. IMMEDIATELY use search_notes for semantic matching\n`;
+                    directiveMessage += `2. Try broader or alternative keyword terms\n`;
+                    directiveMessage += `3. Use workflow_helper for guidance on next steps\n`;
                 }
                 
-            directiveMessage += `DO NOT ask the user what to do next or if they want general information. CONTINUE SEARCHING with different parameters.`;
+                if (emptyToolNames.includes('attribute_search')) {
+                    directiveMessage += `1. Use search_notes to find content about the attribute topic\n`;
+                    directiveMessage += `2. Try different attribute names or types\n`;
+                    directiveMessage += `3. Use search_suggestion to see available attributes\n`;
+                }
+                
+                directiveMessage += `\nFORBIDDEN: Do NOT ask user for clarification or offer general information!\n`;
+                directiveMessage += `REQUIRED: CONTINUE with alternative tools and approaches immediately!`;
+            } else {
+                // Has results - encourage follow-up actions
+                directiveMessage = `EXCELLENT! You found results. Now CONTINUE the workflow:\n\n`;
+                directiveMessage += `NEXT REQUIRED ACTIONS:\n`;
+                directiveMessage += `1. Use read_note to examine the most relevant results\n`;
+                directiveMessage += `2. Use workflow_helper to plan next steps based on your findings\n`;
+                directiveMessage += `3. Consider using related tools for deeper analysis\n\n`;
+                directiveMessage += `GOAL: Provide comprehensive information by using multiple tools in sequence.\n`;
+                directiveMessage += `CONTINUE with tool usage - don't stop at just search results!`;
+            }
 
             updatedMessages.push({
                 role: 'system',
@@ -609,11 +633,20 @@ export class ToolCallingStage extends BasePipelineStage<ToolExecutionInput, { re
             }
         }
 
-        // Add a general suggestion to try search_notes as a fallback
+        // Add general recommendations including new helper tools
         if (!toolName.includes('search_notes')) {
             guidance += "RECOMMENDATION: If specific searches fail, try the 'search_notes' tool which performs semantic searches.\n";
         }
         
+        // Always suggest helper tools for guidance
+        guidance += "HELPER TOOLS AVAILABLE:\n";
+        guidance += "• Use 'discover_tools' to find the right tool for your task\n";
+        guidance += "• Use 'workflow_helper' to get guidance on next steps\n";
+        guidance += "• Use 'search_suggestion' for search syntax help\n";
+        
+        // Encourage continued tool usage
+        guidance += "\nIMPORTANT: Don't stop after one failed tool - try alternatives immediately!";
+
         return guidance;
     }
 

apps/server/src/services/llm/tools/attribute_search_tool.ts

@@ -19,26 +19,61 @@ export const attributeSearchToolDefinition: Tool = {
     type: 'function',
     function: {
         name: 'attribute_search',
-        description: 'Search for notes with specific attributes (labels or relations). Use this when you need to find notes based on their metadata rather than content. IMPORTANT: attributeType must be exactly "label" or "relation" (lowercase).',
+        description: `ATTRIBUTE-BASED search for notes. Find notes by their labels or relations (metadata/tags).
+        
+        BEST FOR: Finding notes by categories, tags, status, relationships, or other metadata
+        USE WHEN: You need notes with specific labels, relations, or organizational attributes
+        DIFFERENT FROM: search_notes (content) and keyword_search_notes (text)
+        
+        CRITICAL: attributeType MUST be exactly "label" or "relation" (lowercase only!)
+        
+        COMMON ATTRIBUTES:
+        • Labels: #important, #todo, #project, #status, #priority
+        • Relations: ~relatedTo, ~childOf, ~contains, ~references
+        
+        NEXT STEPS: Use read_note with returned noteId values for full content`,
         parameters: {
             type: 'object',
             properties: {
                 attributeType: {
                     type: 'string',
-                    description: 'MUST be exactly "label" or "relation" (lowercase, no other values are valid)',
+                    description: `MUST be exactly "label" or "relation" (lowercase only!)
+                    
+                    CORRECT: "label", "relation"
+                    WRONG: "Label", "LABEL", "labels", "relations"
+                    
+                    • "label" = tags/categories like #important, #todo
+                    • "relation" = connections like ~relatedTo, ~childOf`,
                     enum: ['label', 'relation']
                 },
                 attributeName: {
                     type: 'string',
-                    description: 'Name of the attribute to search for (e.g., "important", "todo", "related-to")'
+                    description: `Name of the attribute to search for.
+                    
+                    LABEL EXAMPLES:
+                    - "important" (finds notes with #important)
+                    - "status" (finds notes with #status label)
+                    - "project" (finds notes tagged #project)
+                    
+                    RELATION EXAMPLES:
+                    - "relatedTo" (finds notes with ~relatedTo relation)
+                    - "childOf" (finds notes with ~childOf relation)
+                    - "contains" (finds notes with ~contains relation)`
                 },
                 attributeValue: {
                     type: 'string',
-                    description: 'Optional value of the attribute. If not provided, will find all notes with the given attribute name.'
+                    description: `OPTIONAL: Specific value of the attribute.
+                    
+                    • Leave empty to find ALL notes with this attribute
+                    • Specify value to find notes where attribute = specific value
+                    
+                    EXAMPLES:
+                    - attributeName: "status", attributeValue: "completed"
+                    - attributeName: "priority", attributeValue: "high"`
                 },
                 maxResults: {
                     type: 'number',
-                    description: 'Maximum number of results to return (default: 20)'
+                    description: 'Number of results (1-50, default: 20). Use higher values for comprehensive searches.'
                 }
             },
             required: ['attributeType', 'attributeName']
@@ -61,9 +96,33 @@ export class AttributeSearchTool implements ToolHandler {
 
             log.info(`Executing attribute_search tool - Type: "${attributeType}", Name: "${attributeName}", Value: "${attributeValue || 'any'}", MaxResults: ${maxResults}`);
 
-            // Validate attribute type
+            // Enhanced validation with helpful guidance
             if (attributeType !== 'label' && attributeType !== 'relation') {
-                return `Error: Invalid attribute type. Must be exactly "label" or "relation" (lowercase). You provided: "${attributeType}".`;
+                const suggestions: string[] = [];
+                
+                if (attributeType.toLowerCase() === 'label' || attributeType.toLowerCase() === 'relation') {
+                    suggestions.push(`CASE SENSITIVE: Use "${attributeType.toLowerCase()}" (lowercase)`);
+                }
+                
+                if (attributeType.includes('label') || attributeType.includes('Label')) {
+                    suggestions.push('CORRECT: Use "label" for tags and categories');
+                }
+                
+                if (attributeType.includes('relation') || attributeType.includes('Relation')) {
+                    suggestions.push('CORRECT: Use "relation" for connections and relationships');
+                }
+                
+                const errorMessage = `Invalid attributeType: "${attributeType}"
+
+REQUIRED: Must be exactly "label" or "relation" (lowercase only!)
+
+${suggestions.length > 0 ? suggestions.join('\n') : ''}
+
+EXAMPLES:
+• Find notes with #important tag: { "attributeType": "label", "attributeName": "important" }
+• Find notes with ~relatedTo relation: { "attributeType": "relation", "attributeName": "relatedTo" }`;
+                
+                return errorMessage;
             }
 
             // Execute the search

apps/server/src/services/llm/tools/keyword_search_tool.ts

@@ -17,21 +17,49 @@ export const keywordSearchToolDefinition: Tool = {
     type: 'function',
     function: {
         name: 'keyword_search_notes',
-        description: 'Search for notes using exact keyword matching and attribute filters. Use this for precise searches when you need exact matches or want to filter by attributes.',
+        description: `EXACT KEYWORD search for notes. Finds notes containing specific words, phrases, or attribute filters.
+        
+        BEST FOR: Finding notes with specific words/phrases you know exist
+        USE WHEN: You need exact text matches, specific terms, or attribute-based filtering
+        DIFFERENT FROM: search_notes (which finds conceptual/semantic matches)
+        
+        SEARCH TYPES:
+        • Simple: "machine learning" (finds notes containing both words)
+        • Phrase: "\"exact phrase\"" (finds this exact phrase)
+        • Attributes: "#label" or "~relation" (notes with specific labels/relations)
+        • Complex: "AI #project ~relatedTo" (combines keywords with attributes)
+        
+        NEXT STEPS: Use read_note with returned noteId values for full content`,
         parameters: {
             type: 'object',
             properties: {
                 query: {
                     type: 'string',
-                    description: 'The search query using Trilium\'s search syntax. Examples: "rings tolkien" (find notes with both words), "#book #year >= 2000" (notes with label "book" and "year" attribute >= 2000), "note.content *=* important" (notes with "important" in content)'
+                    description: `Keyword search query using Trilium search syntax.
+                    
+                    SIMPLE EXAMPLES:
+                    - "machine learning" (both words anywhere)
+                    - "\"project management\"" (exact phrase)
+                    - "python OR javascript" (either word)
+                    
+                    ATTRIBUTE EXAMPLES:
+                    - "#important" (notes with 'important' label)
+                    - "~project" (notes with 'project' relation)
+                    - "#status = completed" (specific label value)
+                    
+                    COMBINED EXAMPLES:
+                    - "AI #project #status = active" (AI content with project label and active status)
+                    - "note.title *= \"weekly\"" (titles containing 'weekly')
+                    
+                    AVOID: Conceptual queries better suited for search_notes`
                 },
                 maxResults: {
                     type: 'number',
-                    description: 'Maximum number of results to return (default: 10)'
+                    description: 'Number of results (1-50, default: 10). Use higher values for comprehensive searches.'
                 },
                 includeArchived: {
                     type: 'boolean',
-                    description: 'Whether to include archived notes in search results (default: false)'
+                    description: 'INCLUDE ARCHIVED: Search archived notes too (default: false). Use true for complete historical search.'
                 }
             },
             required: ['query']
@@ -45,6 +73,22 @@ export const keywordSearchToolDefinition: Tool = {
 export class KeywordSearchTool implements ToolHandler {
     public definition: Tool = keywordSearchToolDefinition;
 
+    /**
+     * Convert a keyword query to a semantic query suggestion
+     */
+    private convertToSemanticQuery(keywordQuery: string): string {
+        // Remove search operators and attributes to create a semantic query
+        return keywordQuery
+            .replace(/#\w+/g, '') // Remove label filters
+            .replace(/~\w+/g, '') // Remove relation filters
+            .replace(/\"[^\"]*\"/g, (match) => match.slice(1, -1)) // Remove quotes but keep content
+            .replace(/\s+OR\s+/gi, ' ') // Replace OR with space
+            .replace(/\s+AND\s+/gi, ' ') // Replace AND with space
+            .replace(/note\.(title|content)\s*\*=\*\s*/gi, '') // Remove note.content operators
+            .replace(/\s+/g, ' ') // Normalize spaces
+            .trim();
+    }
+
     /**
      * Execute the keyword search notes tool
      */
@@ -80,21 +124,52 @@ export class KeywordSearchTool implements ToolHandler {
                 log.info(`No matching notes found for query: "${query}"`);
             }
 
-            // Format the results
+            // Format the results with enhanced guidance
+            if (limitedResults.length === 0) {
+                return {
+                    count: 0,
+                    results: [],
+                    query: query,
+                    searchType: 'keyword',
+                    message: 'No exact keyword matches found.',
+                    nextSteps: {
+                        immediate: [
+                            `Try search_notes for semantic/conceptual search: "${this.convertToSemanticQuery(query)}"`,
+                            `Use attribute_search if looking for specific labels or relations`,
+                            `Try simpler keywords or check spelling`
+                        ],
+                        queryHelp: [
+                            'Remove quotes for broader matching',
+                            'Try individual words instead of phrases',
+                            'Use OR operator: "word1 OR word2"',
+                            'Check if content might be in archived notes (set includeArchived: true)'
+                        ]
+                    }
+                };
+            }
+            
             return {
                 count: limitedResults.length,
                 totalFound: searchResults.length,
+                query: query,
+                searchType: 'keyword',
+                message: 'Found exact keyword matches. Use noteId values with other tools.',
+                nextSteps: {
+                    examine: `Use read_note with any noteId (e.g., "${limitedResults[0].noteId}") to get full content`,
+                    refine: limitedResults.length < searchResults.length ? `Found ${searchResults.length} total matches (showing ${limitedResults.length}). Increase maxResults for more.` : null,
+                    related: 'Use search_notes for conceptually related content beyond exact keywords'
+                },
                 results: limitedResults.map(note => {
-                    // Get a preview of the note content
+                    // Get a preview of the note content with highlighted search terms
                     let contentPreview = '';
                     try {
                         const content = note.getContent();
                         if (typeof content === 'string') {
-                            contentPreview = content.length > 150 ? content.substring(0, 150) + '...' : content;
+                            contentPreview = content.length > 200 ? content.substring(0, 200) + '...' : content;
                         } else if (Buffer.isBuffer(content)) {
                             contentPreview = '[Binary content]';
                         } else {
-                            contentPreview = String(content).substring(0, 150) + (String(content).length > 150 ? '...' : '');
+                            contentPreview = String(content).substring(0, 200) + (String(content).length > 200 ? '...' : '');
                         }
                     } catch (e) {
                         contentPreview = '[Content not available]';
@@ -114,7 +189,8 @@ export class KeywordSearchTool implements ToolHandler {
                         attributes: attributes.length > 0 ? attributes : undefined,
                         type: note.type,
                         mime: note.mime,
-                        isArchived: note.isArchived
+                        isArchived: note.isArchived,
+                        dateModified: note.dateModified
                     };
                 })
             };

apps/server/src/services/llm/tools/read_note_tool.ts

@@ -34,17 +34,37 @@ export const readNoteToolDefinition: Tool = {
     type: 'function',
     function: {
         name: 'read_note',
-        description: 'Read the content of a specific note by its ID',
+        description: `READ FULL CONTENT of a specific note by its ID. Get complete note content and metadata.
+        
+        BEST FOR: Getting complete content after finding notes through search tools
+        USE WHEN: You have a noteId from search results and need the full content
+        IMPORTANT: Must use noteId (like "abc123def456") from search results - NOT note titles
+        
+        TIP: This is typically used after search_notes, keyword_search_notes, or attribute_search
+        
+        NEXT STEPS: Use note_update or attribute_manager tools to modify the note if needed`,
         parameters: {
             type: 'object',
             properties: {
                 noteId: {
                     type: 'string',
-                    description: 'The system ID of the note to read (not the title). This is a unique identifier like "abc123def456" that must be used to access a specific note.'
+                    description: `SYSTEM ID of the note to read.
+                    
+                    CRITICAL: Must be a noteId (like "abc123def456") - NOT a note title!
+                    
+                    CORRECT: "abc123def456" (from search results)
+                    WRONG: "My Note Title" (this will fail)
+                    
+                    WHERE TO GET: From noteId field in search tool results`
                 },
                 includeAttributes: {
                     type: 'boolean',
-                    description: 'Whether to include note attributes in the response (default: false)'
+                    description: `INCLUDE METADATA: Get note attributes (labels, relations) in response.
+                    
+                    • true = Get full note with all attributes/metadata
+                    • false = Get just note content (default)
+                    
+                    Use true when you need to see tags, labels, relations, or other metadata`
                 }
             },
             required: ['noteId']
@@ -71,8 +91,23 @@ export class ReadNoteTool implements ToolHandler {
             const note = becca.notes[noteId];
 
             if (!note) {
-                log.info(`Note with ID ${noteId} not found - returning error`);
+                log.info(`Note with ID ${noteId} not found - returning helpful error`);
-                return `Error: Note with ID ${noteId} not found`;
+                return {
+                    error: `Note not found: "${noteId}"`,
+                    troubleshooting: {
+                        possibleCauses: [
+                            'Invalid noteId format (should be like "abc123def456")',
+                            'Note may have been deleted or moved',
+                            'Using note title instead of noteId'
+                        ],
+                        solutions: [
+                            'Use search_notes to find the note by content or title',
+                            'Use keyword_search_notes to find notes with specific text',
+                            'Use attribute_search if you know the note has specific attributes',
+                            'Ensure you\'re using noteId from search results, not the note title'
+                        ]
+                    }
+                };
             }
 
             log.info(`Found note: "${note.title}" (Type: ${note.type})`);
@@ -84,14 +119,33 @@ export class ReadNoteTool implements ToolHandler {
 
             log.info(`Retrieved note content in ${duration}ms, content length: ${content?.length || 0} chars`);
 
-            // Prepare the response
+            // Prepare enhanced response with next steps
-            const response: NoteResponse = {
+            const response: NoteResponse & {
+                nextSteps?: {
+                    modify?: string;
+                    related?: string;
+                    organize?: string;
+                };
+                metadata?: {
+                    wordCount?: number;
+                    hasAttributes?: boolean;
+                    lastModified?: string;
+                };
+            } = {
                 noteId: note.noteId,
                 title: note.title,
                 type: note.type,
                 content: content || ''
             };
 
+            // Add helpful metadata
+            const contentStr = typeof content === 'string' ? content : String(content || '');
+            response.metadata = {
+                wordCount: contentStr.split(/\s+/).filter(word => word.length > 0).length,
+                hasAttributes: note.getOwnedAttributes().length > 0,
+                lastModified: note.dateModified
+            };
+
             // Include attributes if requested
             if (includeAttributes) {
                 const attributes = note.getOwnedAttributes();
@@ -111,6 +165,15 @@ export class ReadNoteTool implements ToolHandler {
                 }
             }
 
+            // Add next steps guidance
+            response.nextSteps = {
+                modify: `Use note_update with noteId: "${noteId}" to edit this note's content`,
+                related: `Use search_notes with related concepts to find similar notes`,
+                organize: response.metadata.hasAttributes 
+                    ? `Use attribute_manager with noteId: "${noteId}" to modify attributes`
+                    : `Use attribute_manager with noteId: "${noteId}" to add labels or relations`
+            };
+
             return response;
         } catch (error: unknown) {
             const errorMessage = isError(error) ? error.message : String(error);

apps/server/src/services/llm/tools/search_notes_tool.ts

@@ -17,25 +17,50 @@ export const searchNotesToolDefinition: Tool = {
     type: 'function',
     function: {
         name: 'search_notes',
-        description: 'Search for notes in the database using semantic search. Returns notes most semantically related to the query. Use specific, descriptive queries for best results.',
+        description: `SEMANTIC/CONCEPTUAL search for notes. Finds notes related to concepts, topics, or themes even without exact keyword matches.
+        
+        BEST FOR: Finding notes about ideas, concepts, or topics described in various ways
+        USE WHEN: Looking for conceptual relationships, thematic content, or related ideas
+        DIFFERENT FROM: keyword_search (which finds exact text matches)
+        
+        TIPS: 
+        - Use descriptive phrases like "project management methodologies" rather than single words
+        - Think conceptually: "machine learning classification" vs just "ML"
+        - Results include noteId values - ALWAYS use these IDs (not titles) with other tools
+        
+        NEXT STEPS: Use read_note with returned noteId values to get full content`,
         parameters: {
             type: 'object',
             properties: {
                 query: {
                     type: 'string',
-                    description: 'The search query to find semantically related notes. Be specific and descriptive for best results.'
+                    description: `Descriptive search query for semantic matching.
+                    
+                    GOOD EXAMPLES:
+                    - "machine learning algorithms for classification"
+                    - "personal productivity and time management techniques"
+                    - "software development best practices"
+                    
+                    AVOID:
+                    - Single words: "ML", "productivity"
+                    - Overly broad: "work", "notes"
+                    - Overly specific: exact phrases that might not exist`
                 },
                 parentNoteId: {
                     type: 'string',
-                    description: 'Optional system ID of the parent note to restrict search to a specific branch (not the title). This is a unique identifier like "abc123def456". Do not use note titles here.'
+                    description: `SCOPE LIMITER: Search only within children of this note.
+                    
+                    IMPORTANT: Must be a noteId (like "abc123def456") from previous search results - NOT a note title.
+                    
+                    USE FOR: Searching within specific projects, categories, or sections.`
                 },
                 maxResults: {
                     type: 'number',
-                    description: 'Maximum number of results to return (default: 5)'
+                    description: 'Number of results (1-20, default: 5). Use 10-15 for comprehensive exploration, 3-5 for quick lookup.'
                 },
                 summarize: {
                     type: 'boolean',
-                    description: 'Whether to provide summarized content previews instead of truncated ones (default: false)'
+                    description: 'AI SUMMARIES: Get intelligent summaries instead of truncated text (default: false). Use true for cleaner result overview.'
                 }
             },
             required: ['query']
@@ -189,6 +214,39 @@ export class SearchNotesTool implements ToolHandler {
         }
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Extract keywords from a semantic query for alternative search suggestions
+     */
+    private extractKeywords(query: string): string {
+        return query.split(' ')
+            .filter(word => word.length > 3 && !['using', 'with', 'for', 'and', 'the', 'that', 'this'].includes(word.toLowerCase()))
+            .slice(0, 3)
+            .join(' ');
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Suggest broader search terms when specific searches fail
+     */
+    private suggestBroaderTerms(query: string): string {
+        const broaderTermsMap: Record<string, string> = {
+            'machine learning': 'AI technology',
+            'productivity': 'work methods',
+            'development': 'programming',
+            'management': 'organization',
+            'planning': 'strategy'
+        };
+        
+        for (const [specific, broader] of Object.entries(broaderTermsMap)) {
+            if (query.toLowerCase().includes(specific)) {
+                return broader;
+            }
+        }
+        
+        // Default: take first significant word and make it broader
+        const firstWord = query.split(' ').find(word => word.length > 3);
+        return firstWord ? `${firstWord} concepts` : 'general topics';
+    }
+
     /**
      * Execute the search notes tool
      */
@@ -260,19 +318,39 @@ export class SearchNotesTool implements ToolHandler {
                 })
             );
 
-            // Format the results
+            // Format the results with enhanced guidance
             if (results.length === 0) {
                 return {
                     count: 0,
                     results: [],
                     query: query,
-                    message: 'No notes found matching your query. Try using more general terms or try the keyword_search_notes tool with a different query. Note: Use the noteId (not the title) when performing operations on specific notes with other tools.'
+                    searchType: 'semantic',
+                    message: 'No semantic matches found for your query.',
+                    nextSteps: {
+                        immediate: [
+                            `Try keyword_search with specific terms: "${this.extractKeywords(query)}"`,
+                            `Use attribute_search if looking for labeled/categorized notes`,
+                            `Try broader search terms like "${this.suggestBroaderTerms(query)}"`
+                        ],
+                        tips: [
+                            'Semantic search finds conceptual matches - try describing the topic differently',
+                            'If you know specific words that appear in the notes, use keyword_search instead',
+                            'Check if the content might be tagged with labels using attribute_search'
+                        ]
+                    }
                 };
             } else {
                 return {
                     count: enhancedResults.length,
                     results: enhancedResults,
-                    message: "Note: Use the noteId (not the title) when performing operations on specific notes with other tools."
+                    query: query,
+                    searchType: 'semantic',
+                    message: 'Found semantic matches. Use noteId values with other tools.',
+                    nextSteps: {
+                        examine: `Use read_note with any noteId (e.g., "${enhancedResults[0].noteId}") to get full content`,
+                        refine: parentNoteId ? 'Remove parentNoteId to search all notes' : `Add parentNoteId: "${enhancedResults[0].noteId}" to search within the first result's children`,
+                        related: 'Search for related concepts or use different descriptive terms'
+                    }
                 };
             }
         } catch (error: unknown) {

apps/server/src/services/llm/tools/tool_discovery_helper.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,368 @@
+/**
+ * Tool Discovery Helper
+ *
+ * This tool helps LLMs understand what tools are available and when to use them.
+ * It provides smart recommendations based on user queries and current context.
+ */
+
+import type { Tool, ToolHandler } from './tool_interfaces.js';
+import log from '../../log.js';
+import toolRegistry from './tool_registry.js';
+
+/**
+ * Definition of the tool discovery helper
+ */
+export const toolDiscoveryHelperDefinition: Tool = {
+    type: 'function',
+    function: {
+        name: 'discover_tools',
+        description: `DISCOVER AVAILABLE TOOLS and get guidance on which tools to use for your task.
+        
+        BEST FOR: Understanding what tools are available and getting usage recommendations
+        USE WHEN: You're unsure which tool to use, want to see all options, or need workflow guidance
+        HELPS WITH: Tool selection, parameter guidance, workflow planning
+        
+        TIP: Use this when you have a task but aren't sure which tools can help accomplish it
+        
+        NEXT STEPS: Use the recommended tools based on the guidance provided`,
+        parameters: {
+            type: 'object',
+            properties: {
+                taskDescription: {
+                    type: 'string',
+                    description: `📝 DESCRIBE YOUR TASK: What are you trying to accomplish?
+                    
+                    ✅ GOOD EXAMPLES:
+                    - "Find notes about machine learning"
+                    - "Create a new project planning note"
+                    - "Find all notes tagged as important"
+                    - "Read the content of a specific note"
+                    
+                    💡 Be specific about your goal for better tool recommendations`
+                },
+                includeExamples: {
+                    type: 'boolean',
+                    description: 'INCLUDE EXAMPLES: Get specific usage examples for recommended tools (default: true)'
+                },
+                showAllTools: {
+                    type: 'boolean',
+                    description: 'SHOW ALL TOOLS: List all available tools, not just recommended ones (default: false)'
+                }
+            },
+            required: ['taskDescription']
+        }
+    }
+};
+
+/**
+ * Tool discovery helper implementation
+ */
+export class ToolDiscoveryHelper implements ToolHandler {
+    public definition: Tool = toolDiscoveryHelperDefinition;
+
+    /**
+     * Map task types to relevant tools
+     */
+    private getRelevantTools(taskDescription: string): string[] {
+        const task = taskDescription.toLowerCase();
+        const relevantTools: string[] = [];
+
+        // Search-related tasks
+        if (task.includes('find') || task.includes('search') || task.includes('look for')) {
+            if (task.includes('tag') || task.includes('label') || task.includes('attribute') || task.includes('category')) {
+                relevantTools.push('attribute_search');
+            }
+            if (task.includes('concept') || task.includes('about') || task.includes('related to')) {
+                relevantTools.push('search_notes');
+            }
+            if (task.includes('exact') || task.includes('specific') || task.includes('contains')) {
+                relevantTools.push('keyword_search_notes');
+            }
+            // Default to both semantic and keyword search if no specific indicators
+            if (!relevantTools.some(tool => tool.includes('search'))) {
+                relevantTools.push('search_notes', 'keyword_search_notes');
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Reading tasks
+        if (task.includes('read') || task.includes('view') || task.includes('show') || task.includes('content')) {
+            relevantTools.push('read_note');
+        }
+
+        // Creation tasks
+        if (task.includes('create') || task.includes('new') || task.includes('add') || task.includes('make')) {
+            relevantTools.push('note_creation');
+        }
+
+        // Modification tasks
+        if (task.includes('edit') || task.includes('update') || task.includes('change') || task.includes('modify')) {
+            relevantTools.push('note_update');
+        }
+
+        // Attribute/metadata tasks
+        if (task.includes('attribute') || task.includes('tag') || task.includes('label') || task.includes('metadata')) {
+            relevantTools.push('attribute_manager');
+        }
+
+        // Relationship tasks
+        if (task.includes('relation') || task.includes('connect') || task.includes('link') || task.includes('relationship')) {
+            relevantTools.push('relationship');
+        }
+
+        // Summary tasks
+        if (task.includes('summary') || task.includes('summarize') || task.includes('overview')) {
+            relevantTools.push('note_summarization');
+        }
+
+        // Calendar tasks
+        if (task.includes('calendar') || task.includes('date') || task.includes('schedule') || task.includes('time')) {
+            relevantTools.push('calendar_integration');
+        }
+
+        // Content extraction tasks
+        if (task.includes('extract') || task.includes('parse') || task.includes('analyze content')) {
+            relevantTools.push('content_extraction');
+        }
+
+        return relevantTools;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get tool information with descriptions
+     */
+    private getToolInfo(): Record<string, { description: string; bestFor: string; parameters: string[] }> {
+        return {
+            'search_notes': {
+                description: '🧠 Semantic/conceptual search for notes',
+                bestFor: 'Finding notes about ideas, concepts, or topics described in various ways',
+                parameters: ['query (required)', 'parentNoteId', 'maxResults', 'summarize']
+            },
+            'keyword_search_notes': {
+                description: '🔍 Exact keyword/phrase search for notes',
+                bestFor: 'Finding notes with specific words, phrases, or using search operators',
+                parameters: ['query (required)', 'maxResults', 'includeArchived']
+            },
+            'attribute_search': {
+                description: '🏷️ Search notes by attributes (labels/relations)',
+                bestFor: 'Finding notes by categories, tags, status, or metadata',
+                parameters: ['attributeType (required)', 'attributeName (required)', 'attributeValue', 'maxResults']
+            },
+            'read_note': {
+                description: '📖 Read full content of a specific note',
+                bestFor: 'Getting complete note content after finding it through search',
+                parameters: ['noteId (required)', 'includeAttributes']
+            },
+            'note_creation': {
+                description: '📝 Create new notes',
+                bestFor: 'Adding new content, projects, or ideas to your notes',
+                parameters: ['title (required)', 'content', 'parentNoteId', 'noteType', 'attributes']
+            },
+            'note_update': {
+                description: '✏️ Update existing note content',
+                bestFor: 'Modifying or adding to existing note content',
+                parameters: ['noteId (required)', 'title', 'content', 'updateMode']
+            },
+            'attribute_manager': {
+                description: '🎯 Manage note attributes (labels, relations)',
+                bestFor: 'Adding, removing, or modifying note metadata and tags',
+                parameters: ['noteId (required)', 'action (required)', 'attributeType', 'attributeName', 'attributeValue']
+            },
+            'relationship': {
+                description: '🔗 Manage note relationships',
+                bestFor: 'Creating connections between notes',
+                parameters: ['sourceNoteId (required)', 'action (required)', 'targetNoteId', 'relationType']
+            },
+            'note_summarization': {
+                description: '📄 Summarize note content',
+                bestFor: 'Getting concise overviews of long notes',
+                parameters: ['noteId (required)', 'summaryType', 'maxLength']
+            },
+            'content_extraction': {
+                description: '🎯 Extract specific information from notes',
+                bestFor: 'Pulling out specific data, facts, or structured information',
+                parameters: ['noteId (required)', 'extractionType (required)', 'criteria']
+            },
+            'calendar_integration': {
+                description: '📅 Calendar and date-related operations',
+                bestFor: 'Working with dates, schedules, and time-based organization',
+                parameters: ['action (required)', 'date', 'noteId', 'eventDetails']
+            },
+            'search_suggestion': {
+                description: '💡 Get search syntax help and suggestions',
+                bestFor: 'Learning how to use advanced search features',
+                parameters: ['searchType', 'query']
+            }
+        };
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Generate workflow recommendations
+     */
+    private generateWorkflow(taskDescription: string, relevantTools: string[]): string[] {
+        const task = taskDescription.toLowerCase();
+        const workflows: string[] = [];
+
+        if (task.includes('find') && relevantTools.includes('search_notes')) {
+            workflows.push('1. Use search_notes for conceptual search → 2. Use read_note with returned noteId for full content');
+        }
+
+        if (task.includes('find') && relevantTools.includes('attribute_search')) {
+            workflows.push('1. Use attribute_search to find tagged notes → 2. Use read_note for detailed content');
+        }
+
+        if (task.includes('create') || task.includes('new')) {
+            workflows.push('1. Use note_creation to make the note → 2. Use attribute_manager to add tags/metadata');
+        }
+
+        if (task.includes('update') || task.includes('edit')) {
+            workflows.push('1. Use search tools to find the note → 2. Use read_note to see current content → 3. Use note_update to modify');
+        }
+
+        if (task.includes('organize') || task.includes('categorize')) {
+            workflows.push('1. Use search tools to find notes → 2. Use attribute_manager to add labels/categories');
+        }
+
+        return workflows;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Execute the tool discovery helper
+     */
+    public async execute(args: { 
+        taskDescription: string, 
+        includeExamples?: boolean, 
+        showAllTools?: boolean 
+    }): Promise<string | object> {
+        try {
+            const { taskDescription, includeExamples = true, showAllTools = false } = args;
+
+            log.info(`Executing discover_tools - Task: "${taskDescription}", ShowAll: ${showAllTools}`);
+
+            const allTools = toolRegistry.getAllTools();
+            const toolInfo = this.getToolInfo();
+            
+            if (showAllTools) {
+                // Show all available tools
+                const allToolsInfo = allTools.map(tool => {
+                    const name = tool.definition.function.name;
+                    const info = toolInfo[name];
+                    return {
+                        name,
+                        description: info?.description || tool.definition.function.description,
+                        bestFor: info?.bestFor || 'General purpose tool',
+                        parameters: info?.parameters || ['See tool definition for parameters']
+                    };
+                });
+
+                return {
+                    taskDescription,
+                    mode: 'all_tools',
+                    message: '🗂️ All available tools in the system',
+                    totalTools: allToolsInfo.length,
+                    tools: allToolsInfo,
+                    tip: 'Use discover_tools with a specific task description for targeted recommendations'
+                };
+            }
+
+            // Get relevant tools for the specific task
+            const relevantToolNames = this.getRelevantTools(taskDescription);
+            const workflows = this.generateWorkflow(taskDescription, relevantToolNames);
+
+            const recommendations = relevantToolNames.map(toolName => {
+                const info = toolInfo[toolName];
+                const result: any = {
+                    tool: toolName,
+                    description: info?.description || 'Tool description not available',
+                    bestFor: info?.bestFor || 'Not specified',
+                    priority: this.getToolPriority(toolName, taskDescription)
+                };
+
+                if (includeExamples) {
+                    result.exampleUsage = this.getToolExample(toolName, taskDescription);
+                }
+
+                return result;
+            });
+
+            // Sort by priority
+            recommendations.sort((a, b) => a.priority - b.priority);
+
+            return {
+                taskDescription,
+                mode: 'targeted_recommendations',
+                message: `🎯 Found ${recommendations.length} relevant tools for your task`,
+                recommendations,
+                workflows: workflows.length > 0 ? {
+                    message: '🔄 Suggested workflows for your task:',
+                    steps: workflows
+                } : undefined,
+                nextSteps: {
+                    immediate: recommendations.length > 0 
+                        ? `Start with: ${recommendations[0].tool} (highest priority for your task)`
+                        : 'Try rephrasing your task or use showAllTools: true to see all options',
+                    alternative: 'Use showAllTools: true to see all available tools if these don\'t fit your needs'
+                }
+            };
+        } catch (error: unknown) {
+            const errorMessage = error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error);
+            log.error(`Error executing discover_tools: ${errorMessage}`);
+            return `Error: ${errorMessage}`;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get priority for a tool based on task description (lower = higher priority)
+     */
+    private getToolPriority(toolName: string, taskDescription: string): number {
+        const task = taskDescription.toLowerCase();
+        
+        // Exact matches get highest priority
+        if (task.includes(toolName.replace('_', ' '))) return 1;
+        
+        // Task-specific priorities
+        if (task.includes('find') || task.includes('search')) {
+            if (toolName === 'search_notes') return 2;
+            if (toolName === 'keyword_search_notes') return 3;
+            if (toolName === 'attribute_search') return 4;
+        }
+        
+        if (task.includes('create') && toolName === 'note_creation') return 1;
+        if (task.includes('read') && toolName === 'read_note') return 1;
+        if (task.includes('update') && toolName === 'note_update') return 1;
+        
+        return 5; // Default priority
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get example usage for a tool based on task description
+     */
+    private getToolExample(toolName: string, taskDescription: string): string {
+        const task = taskDescription.toLowerCase();
+        
+        switch (toolName) {
+            case 'search_notes':
+                if (task.includes('machine learning')) {
+                    return '{ "query": "machine learning algorithms classification" }';
+                }
+                return '{ "query": "project management methodologies" }';
+                
+            case 'keyword_search_notes':
+                return '{ "query": "important TODO" }';
+                
+            case 'attribute_search':
+                return '{ "attributeType": "label", "attributeName": "important" }';
+                
+            case 'read_note':
+                return '{ "noteId": "abc123def456", "includeAttributes": true }';
+                
+            case 'note_creation':
+                return '{ "title": "New Project Plan", "content": "Project details here..." }';
+                
+            case 'note_update':
+                return '{ "noteId": "abc123def456", "content": "Updated content" }';
+                
+            default:
+                return `Use ${toolName} with appropriate parameters`;
+        }
+    }
+}

apps/server/src/services/llm/tools/tool_initializer.ts

@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@ import { RelationshipTool } from './relationship_tool.js';
 import { AttributeManagerTool } from './attribute_manager_tool.js';
 import { CalendarIntegrationTool } from './calendar_integration_tool.js';
 import { NoteSummarizationTool } from './note_summarization_tool.js';
+import { ToolDiscoveryHelper } from './tool_discovery_helper.js';
+import { WorkflowHelper } from './workflow_helper.js';
 import log from '../../log.js';
 
 // Error type guard
@@ -52,6 +54,10 @@ export async function initializeTools(): Promise<void> {
         toolRegistry.registerTool(new ContentExtractionTool());  // Extract info from note content
         toolRegistry.registerTool(new CalendarIntegrationTool()); // Calendar-related operations
 
+        // Register helper and guidance tools
+        toolRegistry.registerTool(new ToolDiscoveryHelper());    // Tool discovery and usage guidance
+        toolRegistry.registerTool(new WorkflowHelper());         // Multi-step workflow guidance
+
         // Log registered tools
         const toolCount = toolRegistry.getAllTools().length;
         const toolNames = toolRegistry.getAllTools().map(tool => tool.definition.function.name).join(', ');

apps/server/src/services/llm/tools/workflow_helper.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,408 @@
+/**
+ * Workflow Helper Tool
+ *
+ * This tool helps LLMs understand and execute multi-step workflows by providing
+ * smart guidance on tool chaining and next steps.
+ */
+
+import type { Tool, ToolHandler } from './tool_interfaces.js';
+import log from '../../log.js';
+
+/**
+ * Definition of the workflow helper tool
+ */
+export const workflowHelperDefinition: Tool = {
+    type: 'function',
+    function: {
+        name: 'workflow_helper',
+        description: `WORKFLOW GUIDANCE for multi-step tasks. Get smart suggestions for tool chaining and next steps.
+        
+        BEST FOR: Planning complex workflows, understanding tool sequences, getting unstuck
+        USE WHEN: You need to do multiple operations, aren't sure what to do next, or want workflow optimization
+        HELPS WITH: Tool sequencing, parameter passing, workflow planning
+        
+        TIP: Use this when you have partial results and need guidance on next steps
+        
+        NEXT STEPS: Follow the recommended workflow steps provided`,
+        parameters: {
+            type: 'object',
+            properties: {
+                currentStep: {
+                    type: 'string',
+                    description: `📍 DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT STEP: What have you just done or what results do you have?
+                    
+                    ✅ GOOD EXAMPLES:
+                    - "I just found 5 notes about machine learning using search_notes"
+                    - "I have a noteId abc123def456 and want to modify it"
+                    - "I searched but got no results"
+                    - "I created a new note and want to organize it"
+                    
+                    💡 Be specific about your current state and what you've accomplished`
+                },
+                goal: {
+                    type: 'string',
+                    description: `🎯 FINAL GOAL: What are you ultimately trying to accomplish?
+                    
+                    ✅ EXAMPLES:
+                    - "Find and read all notes about a specific project"
+                    - "Create a comprehensive summary of all my research notes"
+                    - "Organize all my TODO notes by priority"
+                    - "Find related notes and create connections between them"`
+                },
+                availableData: {
+                    type: 'string',
+                    description: `📊 AVAILABLE DATA: What noteIds, search results, or other data do you currently have?
+                    
+                    ✅ EXAMPLES:
+                    - "noteIds: abc123, def456, ghi789"
+                    - "Search results with 3 notes about project management"
+                    - "Empty search results for machine learning"
+                    - "Just created noteId xyz999"`
+                },
+                includeExamples: {
+                    type: 'boolean',
+                    description: '📚 INCLUDE EXAMPLES: Get specific command examples for next steps (default: true)'
+                }
+            },
+            required: ['currentStep', 'goal']
+        }
+    }
+};
+
+/**
+ * Workflow helper implementation
+ */
+export class WorkflowHelper implements ToolHandler {
+    public definition: Tool = workflowHelperDefinition;
+
+    /**
+     * Common workflow patterns
+     */
+    private getWorkflowPatterns(): Record<string, {
+        name: string;
+        description: string;
+        steps: string[];
+        examples: string[];
+    }> {
+        return {
+            'search_read_analyze': {
+                name: '🔍➡️📖➡️🧠 Search → Read → Analyze',
+                description: 'Find notes, read their content, then analyze or summarize',
+                steps: [
+                    'Use search tools to find relevant notes',
+                    'Use read_note to get full content of interesting results',
+                    'Use note_summarization or content_extraction for analysis'
+                ],
+                examples: [
+                    'Research project: Find all research notes → Read them → Summarize findings',
+                    'Learning topic: Search for learning materials → Read content → Extract key concepts'
+                ]
+            },
+            'search_create_organize': {
+                name: '🔍➡️📝➡️🏷️ Search → Create → Organize',
+                description: 'Find related content, create new notes, then organize with attributes',
+                steps: [
+                    'Search for related existing content',
+                    'Create new note with note_creation',
+                    'Add attributes/relations with attribute_manager'
+                ],
+                examples: [
+                    'New project: Find similar projects → Create project note → Tag with #project',
+                    'Meeting notes: Search for project context → Create meeting note → Link to project'
+                ]
+            },
+            'find_read_update': {
+                name: '🔍➡️📖➡️✏️ Find → Read → Update',
+                description: 'Find existing notes, review content, then make updates',
+                steps: [
+                    'Use search tools to locate the note',
+                    'Use read_note to see current content',
+                    'Use note_update to make changes'
+                ],
+                examples: [
+                    'Update project status: Find project note → Read current status → Update with progress',
+                    'Improve documentation: Find doc note → Read content → Add new information'
+                ]
+            },
+            'organize_existing': {
+                name: '🔍➡️🏷️➡️🔗 Find → Tag → Connect',
+                description: 'Find notes that need organization, add attributes, create relationships',
+                steps: [
+                    'Search for notes to organize',
+                    'Use attribute_manager to add labels/categories',
+                    'Use relationship tool to create connections'
+                ],
+                examples: [
+                    'Organize research: Find research notes → Tag by topic → Link related studies',
+                    'Clean up TODOs: Find TODO notes → Tag by priority → Link to projects'
+                ]
+            }
+        };
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Analyze current step and recommend next actions
+     */
+    private analyzeCurrentStep(currentStep: string, goal: string, availableData?: string): {
+        analysis: string;
+        recommendations: Array<{
+            action: string;
+            tool: string;
+            parameters: Record<string, any>;
+            reasoning: string;
+            priority: number;
+        }>;
+        warnings?: string[];
+    } {
+        const step = currentStep.toLowerCase();
+        const goalLower = goal.toLowerCase();
+        const recommendations: any[] = [];
+        const warnings: string[] = [];
+
+        // Analyze search results
+        if (step.includes('found') && step.includes('notes')) {
+            if (step.includes('no results') || step.includes('empty') || step.includes('0 notes')) {
+                recommendations.push({
+                    action: 'Try alternative search approaches',
+                    tool: 'search_notes',
+                    parameters: { query: 'broader or alternative search terms' },
+                    reasoning: 'Empty results suggest need for different search strategy',
+                    priority: 1
+                });
+                recommendations.push({
+                    action: 'Try keyword search instead',
+                    tool: 'keyword_search_notes',
+                    parameters: { query: 'specific keywords from your search' },
+                    reasoning: 'Keyword search might find what semantic search missed',
+                    priority: 2
+                });
+                warnings.push('Consider if the content might not exist yet - you may need to create it');
+            } else {
+                // Has search results
+                recommendations.push({
+                    action: 'Read the most relevant notes',
+                    tool: 'read_note',
+                    parameters: { noteId: 'from search results', includeAttributes: true },
+                    reasoning: 'Get full content to understand what you found',
+                    priority: 1
+                });
+                
+                if (goalLower.includes('summary') || goalLower.includes('analyze')) {
+                    recommendations.push({
+                        action: 'Summarize the content',
+                        tool: 'note_summarization',
+                        parameters: { noteId: 'from search results' },
+                        reasoning: 'Goal involves analysis or summarization',
+                        priority: 2
+                    });
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Analyze note reading
+        if (step.includes('read') || step.includes('noteId')) {
+            if (goalLower.includes('update') || goalLower.includes('edit') || goalLower.includes('modify')) {
+                recommendations.push({
+                    action: 'Update the note content',
+                    tool: 'note_update',
+                    parameters: { noteId: 'the one you just read', content: 'new content' },
+                    reasoning: 'Goal involves modifying existing content',
+                    priority: 1
+                });
+            }
+            
+            if (goalLower.includes('organize') || goalLower.includes('tag') || goalLower.includes('categorize')) {
+                recommendations.push({
+                    action: 'Add organizing attributes',
+                    tool: 'attribute_manager',
+                    parameters: { noteId: 'the one you read', action: 'add', attributeType: 'label' },
+                    reasoning: 'Goal involves organization and categorization',
+                    priority: 1
+                });
+            }
+            
+            if (goalLower.includes('related') || goalLower.includes('connect') || goalLower.includes('link')) {
+                recommendations.push({
+                    action: 'Search for related content',
+                    tool: 'search_notes',
+                    parameters: { query: 'concepts from the note you read' },
+                    reasoning: 'Goal involves finding and connecting related content',
+                    priority: 2
+                });
+            }
+        }
+
+        // Analyze creation
+        if (step.includes('created') || step.includes('new note')) {
+            recommendations.push({
+                action: 'Add organizing attributes',
+                tool: 'attribute_manager',
+                parameters: { noteId: 'the newly created note', action: 'add' },
+                reasoning: 'New notes should be organized with appropriate tags',
+                priority: 1
+            });
+            
+            if (goalLower.includes('project') || goalLower.includes('research')) {
+                recommendations.push({
+                    action: 'Find and link related notes',
+                    tool: 'search_notes',
+                    parameters: { query: 'related to your new note topic' },
+                    reasoning: 'Connect new content to existing related materials',
+                    priority: 2
+                });
+            }
+        }
+
+        return {
+            analysis: this.generateAnalysis(currentStep, goal, recommendations.length),
+            recommendations: recommendations.sort((a, b) => a.priority - b.priority),
+            warnings: warnings.length > 0 ? warnings : undefined
+        };
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Generate workflow analysis
+     */
+    private generateAnalysis(currentStep: string, goal: string, recommendationCount: number): string {
+        const patterns = this.getWorkflowPatterns();
+        
+        let analysis = `📊 CURRENT STATE: ${currentStep}\n`;
+        analysis += `🎯 TARGET GOAL: ${goal}\n\n`;
+        
+        if (recommendationCount > 0) {
+            analysis += `✅ I've identified ${recommendationCount} recommended next steps based on your current progress and goal.\n\n`;
+        } else {
+            analysis += `🤔 Your situation is unique. I'll provide general guidance based on common patterns.\n\n`;
+        }
+        
+        // Suggest relevant workflow patterns
+        const goalLower = goal.toLowerCase();
+        if (goalLower.includes('read') && goalLower.includes('find')) {
+            analysis += `📖 PATTERN MATCH: This looks like a "${patterns.search_read_analyze.name}" workflow\n`;
+        } else if (goalLower.includes('create') && goalLower.includes('organize')) {
+            analysis += `📝 PATTERN MATCH: This looks like a "${patterns.search_create_organize.name}" workflow\n`;
+        } else if (goalLower.includes('update') && goalLower.includes('find')) {
+            analysis += `✏️ PATTERN MATCH: This looks like a "${patterns.find_read_update.name}" workflow\n`;
+        }
+        
+        return analysis;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Execute the workflow helper tool
+     */
+    public async execute(args: { 
+        currentStep: string, 
+        goal: string, 
+        availableData?: string,
+        includeExamples?: boolean 
+    }): Promise<string | object> {
+        try {
+            const { currentStep, goal, availableData, includeExamples = true } = args;
+
+            log.info(`Executing workflow_helper - Current: "${currentStep}", Goal: "${goal}"`);
+
+            const analysis = this.analyzeCurrentStep(currentStep, goal, availableData);
+            const patterns = this.getWorkflowPatterns();
+
+            // Extract noteIds from available data if provided
+            const noteIds = availableData ? this.extractNoteIds(availableData) : [];
+
+            const response: any = {
+                currentStep,
+                goal,
+                analysis: analysis.analysis,
+                immediateNext: analysis.recommendations.length > 0 ? {
+                    primaryAction: analysis.recommendations[0],
+                    alternatives: analysis.recommendations.slice(1, 3)
+                } : undefined,
+                extractedData: {
+                    noteIds: noteIds.length > 0 ? noteIds : undefined,
+                    hasData: !!availableData
+                }
+            };
+
+            if (analysis.warnings) {
+                response.warnings = {
+                    message: '⚠️ Important considerations:',
+                    items: analysis.warnings
+                };
+            }
+
+            if (includeExamples && analysis.recommendations.length > 0) {
+                response.examples = {
+                    message: '📚 Specific tool usage examples:',
+                    commands: analysis.recommendations.slice(0, 2).map(rec => ({
+                        tool: rec.tool,
+                        example: this.generateExample(rec.tool, rec.parameters, noteIds),
+                        description: rec.reasoning
+                    }))
+                };
+            }
+
+            // Add relevant workflow patterns
+            response.workflowPatterns = {
+                message: '🔄 Common workflow patterns you might find useful:',
+                patterns: Object.values(patterns).slice(0, 2).map(pattern => ({
+                    name: pattern.name,
+                    description: pattern.description,
+                    steps: pattern.steps
+                }))
+            };
+
+            response.tips = [
+                '💡 Use the noteId values from search results, not note titles',
+                '🔄 Check tool results carefully before proceeding to next step',
+                '📊 Use workflow_helper again if you get stuck or need guidance'
+            ];
+
+            return response;
+        } catch (error: unknown) {
+            const errorMessage = error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error);
+            log.error(`Error executing workflow_helper: ${errorMessage}`);
+            return `Error: ${errorMessage}`;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Extract noteIds from data string
+     */
+    private extractNoteIds(data: string): string[] {
+        // Look for patterns like noteId: "abc123" or "abc123def456"
+        const idPattern = /(?:noteId[:\s]*["']?|["'])([a-zA-Z0-9]{8,})['"]/g;
+        const matches: string[] = [];
+        let match;
+        
+        while ((match = idPattern.exec(data)) !== null) {
+            if (match[1] && !matches.includes(match[1])) {
+                matches.push(match[1]);
+            }
+        }
+        
+        return matches;
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Generate specific examples for tool usage
+     */
+    private generateExample(tool: string, parameters: Record<string, any>, noteIds: string[]): string {
+        const sampleNoteId = noteIds[0] || 'abc123def456';
+        
+        switch (tool) {
+            case 'read_note':
+                return `{ "noteId": "${sampleNoteId}", "includeAttributes": true }`;
+            case 'note_update':
+                return `{ "noteId": "${sampleNoteId}", "content": "Updated content here" }`;
+            case 'attribute_manager':
+                return `{ "noteId": "${sampleNoteId}", "action": "add", "attributeType": "label", "attributeName": "important" }`;
+            case 'search_notes':
+                return `{ "query": "broader search terms related to your topic" }`;
+            case 'keyword_search_notes':
+                return `{ "query": "specific keywords OR alternative terms" }`;
+            case 'note_creation':
+                return `{ "title": "New Note Title", "content": "Note content here" }`;
+            default:
+                return `Use ${tool} with appropriate parameters`;
+        }
+    }
+}