Changing an AI agentAn AI system that doesn't just answer once but works toward a goal in a loop — taking actions, reading the results, and deciding what to do next.Full definition →'s model can also change the format used to request software actions. A tool definition names an action and specifies its allowed inputs; different providers package those definitions and returned arguments differently. OpenRouter's comparison explains where translation can happen: application code, a framework's connector, or an API gateway. Its own gateway normalizes requests and responses for models supporting tool useA model's ability to call external functions — run code, search the web, edit files — instead of only generating text.Full definition →. That reduces format-specific code, while the application still needs to validate arguments and manage execution, state and stopping conditions.
Terms in this piece · Glossary
AI agent — An AI system that doesn't just answer once but works toward a goal in a loop — taking actions, reading the results, and deciding what to do next.
tool use — A model's ability to call external functions — run code, search the web, edit files — instead of only generating text.
