Category:
Category:
Tool Use / Tool Calling
Category:
Agentic AI & Orchestration
Definition
LLM or agent invoking external tools, APIs, functions, or code to perform real actions.
Explanation
Tool use transforms LLMs into actionable systems. Instead of only producing text, the model detects when external calls are needed. It generates structured function calls or API arguments, and the system executes them. Tool use is essential for grounding, correctness, and enabling LLM-driven automation. It powers use cases like database queries, retrieval, writing files, code execution, CRM updates, and complex multi-tool workflows.
Technical Architecture
Prompt → LLM → Function Call Object → Tool Execution Layer → Result → LLM Reasoning → Final Output
Core Component
Function schema, tool execution engine, sandbox environment, API connectors, planner integration
Use Cases
Search agents, coding agents, analytics bots, enterprise automation, workflow orchestration
Pitfalls
Unsafe tool permissions, hallucinated tool calls, infinite API loops, missing validation layers
LLM Keywords
Tool Calling, Function Calling, LLM Tool-use, LLM API Integration
Related Concepts
Related Frameworks
• Orchestration
• Planning
• Retrieval
• Memory
• Agents
• Tool Calling Architecture
• API Routing Diagram