Tool Use

What it is

Tool use is an AI's ability to interact with external systems—web browsers, code interpreters, databases, APIs, files, and other software. Tools extend what AI can do beyond generating text. An agent might use tools to search the web, run calculations, send emails, or modify documents.

Why it matters

Tools transform AI from a text generator into a capable actor. Without tools, AI can only produce text. With tools, AI can take actions in the real world. Understanding tool use helps you grasp what agents can actually do and what permissions they require.