The capability of an AI model to output structured calls to named functions with typed arguments — instead of free-text responses — so the surrounding code can execute the call deterministically. The mechanism behind tool use.
Related terms
JSON Schema
A vocabulary that lets you describe the structure of JSON data — required fields, types, formats, constraints. AI agents use JS...
MCP (Model Context Protocol)
An open protocol created by Anthropic that lets AI models connect to external tools and data sources. The standard for the tool...
Tool Use
When an AI agent calls a function, API, or external tool to get information or take action — instead of relying only on its tra...
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