AI coding · Advanced
Tool Calling
Also called: Function calling, Tool use, Tool calls
While answering, the model asks to use external tools, like reading files, running commands, or searching the web, then keeps working based on what the tools return.
In detail
On its own, a model can only output text, like a manager who can only give orders over the phone. Tool calling lets it say "read this file" or "run this command." A program actually does it, and the result goes back to the model. When an AI coding tool shows "Reading file" or "Running command," each of those is a tool call.
How the three concepts relate: Tool Calling is the model's basic ability to use tools. Model Context Protocol is the standard for plugging in all kinds of external tools. An AI Agent builds on tool calling: the model plans the steps itself and calls tools many times to finish a whole task.
Many tools ask you to confirm before doing anything sensitive. If you don't understand a command, have the AI explain what it does first, then decide whether to allow it.
Developer infoTerm ID, DOM cues, match priority
- Term ID
ai-tool-calling- DOM selectors
- No DOM cues. This concept isn't detected directly on a page.
- Priority
- 1 · when several match at the same level, the higher priority wins
- Version
- v1 · updated Sep 29, 2026