Tool Calling Basics
Complete summary and best practices
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0 / 5 completedKey Takeaways
🎯 Quick Reference
1️⃣
Define Clear Schemas
Name, description, parameters with types
2️⃣
Add Error Handling
Try-catch blocks with helpful error messages
3️⃣
Validate Input
Check types, ranges, and required parameters
4️⃣
Test Thoroughly
Valid inputs, errors, edge cases, and failures
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗Vague descriptions that confuse the agent
✗Missing parameter types in schemas
✗No error handling for external API calls
✗Not validating required parameters
✗Forgetting to test edge cases
✗Exposing sensitive data in tool responses
✅ Best Practices
•Use descriptive tool names
•Document expected input/output
•Add timeouts for external calls
•Log tool executions
•Return structured error messages
•Version your tool schemas
📚 Further Resources
• OpenAI Function Calling Documentation
• LangChain Tools Guide
• Anthropic Claude Tool Use API
• JSON Schema Specification