Tool calling

Tool calling is a multi-step pattern: the application sends tool definitions to the model, the model proposes a tool call with arguments, the application validates and executes that call, and the result is returned for the model to continue or answer. It is the core mechanism behind many agents, retrieval systems, coding assistants, web-search flows, and structured integrations. Production tool calling requires schema validation, least privilege, idempotency, timeouts, user approval for sensitive actions, and clear separation between model suggestions and application-side execution.