AI product & model operations · Working

Tool use

Also called: function calling

ELI5

The AI can use other software to do work.

Used in conversation

“Tool use is restricted by user permissions.”

Definition

An AI system's ability to call software functions, search, databases or external services.

Here “Tool use” means: An AI system's ability to call software functions, search, databases or external services.

Pitch context

You will see “Tool use” in product strategy decks, roadmaps, experiments and architecture reviews when the discussion reaches ai product & model operations.

Why it matters: In ai product & model operations, the scope can change what data may be used, who may access it and which controls are required.

Sources & evidence · 2

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.

National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
Scrum Guides — The Scrum Guide — official current versionSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16