Tools and memory
Tools let an agent act in the real world and memory lets it keep track of a task. Learn what each one is and how to choose them.
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A model on its own can only write text
Tools and memory
Tools let an agent do things. Memory lets it remember what it has already done.
What is a tool?
A tool is a function the agent can call, with a name, a short description and the inputs it needs.
A tool, written down
The description matters: it is how the model decides when to use the tool.
name: send_emaildescription: Send one email to one person.inputs: to, subject, bodyThe model never runs the tool
It asks for the tool to be called. Your system runs it and returns the result, which the model reads on its next turn.
Good tools are small and do one job well
“Send email” beats “handle communications”.
Short-term memory
The conversation so far: the goal, each action and each result. It lasts for one task.
Long-term memory
Stored outside the model, such as notes, past tasks or documents, and looked up when needed.
Which memory do you need?
Most everyday agents only need short-term memory. Add long-term memory when the agent must pick up where it left off days later.