Definition
Tool use enables LLMs to go beyond text generation by calling external functions, APIs, and tools to complete tasks.
How It Works: 1. LLM receives a request 2. Decides which tool(s) to use 3. Generates function call with parameters 4. External system executes the function 5. LLM processes the result 6. Continues or responds
Common Tools: - Web search - Code execution - Calculator - Database queries - API calls - File operations
Benefits: - Access real-time information - Perform accurate calculations - Execute code - Interact with external systems - Overcome training cutoff limitations
Providers: - OpenAI Function Calling - Anthropic Tool Use - Google Gemini Functions
Examples
Claude using a calculator tool to solve a complex math problem, or calling a weather API to get current conditions.
Related Terms
AI models trained on massive text datasets that can understand and generate human-like text.
A technique combining information retrieval with text generation to improve accuracy.
An autonomous AI system that can plan, take actions, and complete tasks with minimal human intervention.
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