Tool use
Tool use
AI
An AI agent's ability to call software tools, such as looking up an order, issuing a refund or running a report, instead of only producing text.
What is Tool use?
With tool use, the AI model is given a list of tools, each with a name, a description and the inputs it needs. When a task calls for one, the model asks to run the tool with specific inputs, the system runs it, and the result goes back to the model to decide the next step.
This is what turns a chatbot into an agent. Tools can read data (find an order), change data (skip a subscription) or reach outside systems. The system, not the model, controls which tools are available and what permissions they carry.
Example
For example, a customer asks to change their delivery address. The agent calls a tool to find the subscription, then a tool to update the address, then confirms the change using the result the update tool returned.
Why Tool use Matters
Tool use is what lets AI actually do the work, not just tell your team or customers how to do it.
Explore More Terms
Browse our complete glossary of e-commerce and subscription terms.
