Tool use (function calling)
When an AI asks an app to run an action for it, like a search, a calculation or sending a message.
For example
You ask "will it rain in Pune tomorrow?" and the chatbot calls a weather service to find out.
Related terms
- Browser agent An AI that operates a web browser for you: clicking, typing and filling forms.
- Copilot An AI assistant built into a tool you already use, helping as you work.
- Human in the loop A person who must approve important actions.
- Model Context Protocol (MCP) An open standard that lets AI assistants connect to apps and data, like a universal plug.
- Multi-agent system Several AI agents with different jobs working together on one task.
- Webhook A message one app sends to another the moment something happens.