AI Glossary

Tool use

Also called function calling

What does “Tool use” mean?

Tool use: Letting a model request that outside code be run on its behalf. Developers describe available tools with names and input formats; the model replies with a structured request, the application runs it, and the output goes back to the model.

Tool use visual guide: Letting a model request that outside code be run on its behalf. Developers describe available tools with names and input formats; the model replies with a structured request, the application runs it, and the output goes back to the model.
Visual guide Open full size (new tab)

What is an example of “Tool use”?

Asked about today's weather, a model with a weather tool can request a lookup instead of guessing from old training data.

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See also

AI agentTermTool schemaTermModel Context ProtocolTermStructured outputTerm

Same topic

Agent loopTermAgent skillsTermMCP serverTermPluginsTermReActTerm