Tool calling
function calling
A model’s ability to request a defined action — query a database, send an email, call an API — with structured arguments that your code executes.
01In short
A model’s ability to request a defined action — query a database, send an email, call an API — with structured arguments that your code executes.
02Video
slot · videoTool calling in 90 secondsadd: GUIDES['tool-calling'].video
03Guide
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A step-by-step guide for “Tool calling” goes here. Suggested outline:
- What it is — in one paragraph
- Why it matters in production
- How to do it — 3 to 7 steps
- Pitfalls we see in the field
04Checklist
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Four to eight things a team can tick before go-live.
05FAQ
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The three questions clients actually ask about “Tool calling”.
06Related terms
AgentsAI agentAn LLM that can take actions: it plans, calls tools, looks at the results and decides the next step until a goal is reached.AgentsMCPAn open standard, introduced by Anthropic in 2024, for connecting AI applications to tools and data sources through one common interface.SecurityLeast privilegeGive a system only the permissions its task needs — read-only unless writing is the job.
Where we help · Build