What is tool use / function calling?

Tool use and function calling in AI refer to an AI's ability to interact with and utilize external software tools or APIs. This capability allows AI systems to perform tasks that are outside their pre-trained abilities, such as sending emails, making web searches, or controlling smart home devices. By integrating these functions, AI can become more versatile and effective in real-world applications.

The ability for AI to use external tools is crucial because it bridges the gap between theoretical intelligence and practical utility. For instance, a chatbot that can call an API to check weather data can provide up-to-date forecasts, enhancing user experience. This functionality impacts developers, businesses, and end-users by making AI systems more adaptive and responsive to specific needs.

When an AI system is designed with tool use capabilities, it typically includes a mechanism for identifying when external functions are needed. The AI can then call the appropriate function through pre-defined interfaces or APIs. For example, if a user asks about the nearest restaurant, the AI might call a geolocation service to find nearby options and present them back to the user. This process requires the AI to understand natural language queries, map them to relevant functions, execute the calls, and interpret the results.