Define agent tools for context and action
Design tools for agents to retrieve information or interact with external systems.
Tools extend your agent’s capabilities by using APIs from underlying applications or systems.
Tools enable agents to gather context by querying databases or reading documents, and to take actions like updating records or sending messages. Standardized definitions improve tool discoverability and management.
A tool to query a CRM for customer history, or a tool to send an email notification upon task completion.
Equip AI agents with tools that allow them to access necessary information from external systems, like databases or CRMs, and to perform actions such as updating records or sending communications.
Do not rely solely on the LLM's internal knowledge; external tools are crucial for real-world interaction.
- A Practical Guide to Building AI Agents ↗OpenAI · OpenAI News · Jan 14, 2026 · paraphrased
First seen on Subvolts Jan 14, 2026. Updated Oct 9, 2026. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
- A Practical Guide to Building AI AgentsOpenAI · OpenAI News · Jan 14, 2026
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
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Questions people ask
- Which AI tools does this work with?
- Any current model. It was seen with in the sources.
- Where did this come from?
- OpenAI (OpenAI News). Subvolts collected, normalized and credited it; the link above opens the original.