Token Optimization Is Not Prompt Shortening
· 31 min read
Token optimization is often treated as a matter of shortening prompts or responses, but the larger challenge is deciding which context is actually worth sending to the model. This article looks at where tokens are consumed in agentic workflows, how context bloat and repeated tool use increase cost, and which practical strategies can make those workflows more efficient. It also shows why optimization cannot be judged by token savings alone, the final response and the workflow behind it both needs to be evaluated. The goal is not simply to use fewer tokens, but to reduce waste while preserving quality.
