A tutorial demonstrating how to build secure natural language database interfaces using LLM tool calling instead of Text-to-SQL. The Guardrail Pattern keeps the AI as a dispatcher that never directly accesses the database. Two implementation paths are covered: using DigitalOcean Gradient AI Platform Agents with serverless functions for a declarative approach, and using Serverless Inference for full developer control over orchestration. Both paths use parameterized queries, environment variables for credentials, and strict input/output schemas to prevent SQL injection, hallucinations, and data leaks. Advanced patterns include multi-tenant access control, tool chaining for complex queries, safe write operations, and a 'Metadata Flywheel' that turns unanswered queries into engineering backlog items.
Table of contents
Path A: Gradient™ AI Platform Agents (The Declarative Approach)Path B: Serverless Inference (The Code-First Approach)Sample Interaction: Path BWhich Path Should You Choose?Why Path B is More Powerful for Production AppsSort: