Understanding Tools¶
A Tool lets your assistant do things, not just talk. Tools give it the ability to act, to look up information, make changes, or connect with other systems.
Whenever a tool is available, the assistant can choose to use it automatically when it needs to complete a task (for example, “Open my project folder” or “Check the latest news in my area.).
Types of Tools¶
There are two kinds of tools in Assistant Engine:
| Type | What It Does | Where It Lives | Example Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Tools | Built directly into Assistant Engine and written in code. They run inside your app and can change how the assistant itself behaves. These tools can look at local files, spin up local repositories, or control what data the chat can access. | Inside the app | Browsing local folders, re-ingesting documents, managing project files, starting a local server |
| External Tools (MCP) | Add-on connections from outside sources. They work like plugins that you can connect through something called MCP (Model Context Protocol). These give your assistant access to external apps and online services. | Outside the app (via connector) | Searching GitHub, creating Jira tickets, querying APIs, restarting remote services |
How They Differ¶
| Feature | Native Tools | External Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Built and coded directly into Assistant Engine | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Runs inside the same app as your assistant | ✅ | ❌ |
| Can change or extend how your assistant thinks and works | ✅ | ❌ |
| Works without an internet connection | ✅ | ❌ |
| Needs authentication or API keys | ❌ | ✅ Usually |
| Can reach external services | ✅ | ✅ |
| Speed | ⚡ Very fast | 🌐 Depends on connection |
| Safety | Same as your app | Separated by the connector |
What is MCP?¶
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is the system that allows your assistant to connect to external tools safely. It’s what makes External Tools work, like a universal plug socket that lets your assistant talk to other apps, servers, or APIs without needing to build everything in manually.
External Tools are not available by default. You can add them by connecting to MCP servers that host specific tools — such as code search, database access, or system monitoring.
In Summary¶
- Native Tools are built-in and written in code for developers, they give your assistant deep local power and can even shape how it thinks. If you want too add your own powerful native tool visit building Custom Native Tools
- External Tools are optional add-ons, connected through MCP, letting your assistant reach the wider world.
- Together, they make your assistant both locally capable and externally connected.