Tool Use
Letting an AI use other software, such as a calculator, search engine or calendar.
In everyday terms
The AI can't check today's weather from memory, but if it can call a weather tool, it can fetch the answer and use it.
For professionals
The model emits structured calls (name + arguments) that the host executes and returns as observations. Standards like MCP connect tools to models.
Think of it like…
A smart person who knows when to reach for a calculator or make a phone call.
You've already seen it
ChatGPT browsing the web, AI adding events to your calendar.
Myth vs reality
Myth: The AI runs the tool itself.
Reality: The AI asks; the surrounding software runs it and returns the result.
Quick check
Why give an AI a calculator tool?
- To make it slower
- Because exact arithmetic isn't its strength
- To train it
- For fun
Show answer
Because exact arithmetic isn't its strength: LLMs predict text. Tools give exact results.