Canonical: https://composio.dev/glossary/tool
Markdown: https://composio.dev/glossary/tool.md

# Tool

A tool is an individual action an agent can request, described by a name and schemas for its inputs and outputs.

For example, GITHUB_CREATE_ISSUE identifies a specific action, while GitHub is the toolkit that groups it with other actions for the same service.

A model's tool call is a request to execute an action. The application or execution service must validate that request, select an authorized connection, call the provider, and return the result. A tool definition by itself grants no access to a user's account.

## Related terms

- [Toolkit](https://composio.dev/glossary/toolkit)

- [Connected account](https://composio.dev/glossary/connected-account)

- [Model Context Protocol](https://composio.dev/glossary/model-context-protocol)

## Sources and implementation

- Technical reference: [Technical glossary: tool](https://docs.composio.dev/reference/glossary#tool)

- Implementation guide: [How Composio works](https://docs.composio.dev/docs/how-composio-works)

- On this site: [Browse toolkits and their tools](https://composio.dev/toolkits)

[All glossary terms](https://composio.dev/glossary)

Reviewed: 2026-10-29
Next review: 2027-01-29
Owner: Brendan O'Leary / Developer Marketing