> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://book.restfulnode.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://book.restfulnode.com/part-2/chapter-5/7-output-response.md). # Output Response The final step of our 8 step recipe is the output response. We will be following the guidelines suggested in chapter 3, [Representational Design](/part-2/chapter-3/5-representational-design.md). As mentioned in a previous section of this chapter, we'll be using [Data Transfer Objects](/part-2/chapter-5/2-input-request.md#using-data-transfer-objects) in our application to help with following those guidelines. Just in case you are not sure why we will be using DTOs for our output response, here are 3 main reasons for using them in our project. The **first** is that we can use them for creating a global wrapper in our code, that way we can have a consistent format being spat out as the response. The **second** is that it can transform the output of our response. This means adding in newer properties and in some cases taking away properties that we do not want to expose. The **third** is that it creates a contract. It creates a contract that must be obeyed because it let's the client consuming it know what should be returned. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://book.restfulnode.com/part-2/chapter-5/7-output-response.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.