Tool Calling Basics
Step-by-step guide to building reliable, production-ready tools
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0 / 5 completedBuilding Reliable Tools
Let's build a production-ready tool from scratch, step by step. You'll see how to go from a simple function to a robust agent tool.
🔨Interactive Tool Builder
Click through each step to build a complete tool
Define the Function
Start with a clear function that does ONE thing well. Use type hints and detailed docstrings.
def get_current_time(timezone: str = "UTC"):
"""Get current time in specified timezone.
Args:
timezone: Timezone name (e.g., "America/New_York")
Returns:
Current time as formatted string
"""
from datetime import datetime
import pytz
tz = pytz.timezone(timezone)
current_time = datetime.now(tz)
return current_time.strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S %Z")Step 1 of 4
🎯 Common Tool Patterns
Input Validation
Check inputs before execution, return clear error messages
Timeout Handling
Set time limits for external API calls to prevent hangs
Rate Limiting
Respect API rate limits, implement backoff strategies
Logging
Log all tool calls for debugging and monitoring