Tool Use
AI models capability to interact with external tools, APIs, and systems to complete tasks.
Definition
Tool use refers to an AI model's ability to recognize when it needs external resources and to correctly invoke tools, APIs, or functions to accomplish goals. Rather than being limited to generating text, tool-enabled AI can search the web, execute code, query databases, send emails, and interact with countless external services.
This capability transforms AI from a conversational partner into an autonomous agent capable of taking real actions in the world. Modern AI systems can chain multiple tool calls together, handle errors, and adapt their approach based on tool outputs.
Why It Matters
Tool use is what separates conversational AI from truly useful AI assistants. The ability to take actions—not just provide information—dramatically expands what AI can accomplish for your business.
Understanding tool use helps you evaluate AI solutions and design effective human-AI workflows where AI handles execution while humans maintain oversight.
Examples in Practice
An AI assistant books a restaurant reservation by calling the OpenTable API after checking your calendar for availability.
A research agent queries multiple databases, downloads relevant papers, and synthesizes findings into a comprehensive report.
A customer service AI looks up order status, processes returns, and updates CRM records all within a single conversation.