Tool calling is the process of invoking an external tool to complete a task. Explore each step, from selecting a tool to processing its response.
by Databricks Staff
Tool calling is the ability of an AI model to interact with external tools, APIs, or systems to perform actions and retrieve information beyond what the model can do on its own. Rather than relying solely on the knowledge baked into its training data, a model with tool-calling capabilities can recognize when a user's request requires outside help, select the appropriate tool, and structure a request to get the job done.
This is the capability that separates a static chatbot from a functional AI agent. Without tool calling, a large language model can only generate text based on patterns it learned during training. With it, the same model can check live inventory, query a database, send an email, execute code, or call a third-party API. Tool calling gives AI models hands.
AI agents are systems that can perceive their environment, make decisions, and take action to accomplish goals. Tool calling is what makes the "take action" part possible. An agent that cannot call tools is limited to conversation. An agent that can call tools becomes a worker.
