Tool use
Level 2
Letting a model call outside software to get facts or take action.
Term 2 of 7 in AI agents
In plain language
On its own a model can only produce text. With tool use it can search, run a calculation, read a database or send an email, and then use the result in its answer.
Think of it like this
Handing someone a calculator and a phone instead of asking them to do it all from memory.
Why it matters
Tool use is how AI gets current, accurate information instead of relying only on what it learned during training.
Next terms in AI agents
- AI agentAn AI system that can take steps and use tools to complete a goal, not just answer.
- Function callingThe mechanism that lets a model request a specific piece of software with specific inputs.
- ReasoningA model working through a problem in steps before giving an answer.
- WorkflowA fixed sequence of steps an AI system follows.