Building a New Tool From Scratch

Tools are essential for performing specific operations and facilitating seamless interactions with your AI agents. This guide walks you through the process of creating a tool from scratch.

Initial Setup

1. Access the Tools Section:

   • Navigate to ‘Tools’ and click the blue ‘+’ icon.

   • Select ‘Add New Tool.’

     

2. Define the Tool:

   • Name the tool and provide a description.

Configuring Input Parameters

1. Specify Input Parameters in the ‘Start’ Block:

   • Open the ‘Start’ block and click ‘+ Add Parameter’ in the bottom.

     

   • Define the parameter name and provide a suitable description.

   • Set the correct data type using the dropdown menu.

     

   • Mark the parameter as mandatory by toggling the switch (blue indicates mandatory).

   • Delete a parameter by clicking the bin icon.

Building the Tool’s Workflow

1. Adding Steps:

   • Hover under an existing step to reveal the plus icon; click it to add a new step.

     

   • Choose among options like API Calls, LLM Interaction, or Code Execution. More detailed descriptions can be found here.

2. Use the Assistant:

   • You can also interact with steps using the text box on the left, called the assistant. In this box, you can communicate with the assistant, allowing you to describe desired actions without writing out the exact code. You can even ask for Python code to be generated.

   • For example, if we want to add the current date and time to the output, we can say, “Add the current date and time to the previous output,” and it will create a step for you.

   • More about the assistant in this article.

Completing and Saving the Tool

1. Configuring the Output Block:

   • Ensure output variables are correctly formatted and, if necessary, formatted as JSON.

   • Select the appropriate variable for the output at the conclusion of the tool’s execution.

2. Saving Your Work:

   • Regularly save your progress using the save button in the toolbar to prevent data loss.

3. 

Testing the Tool

1. Use the play button to test with sample parameters.

   

2. Troubleshooting:

   • Use ‘Step Output’ to review any issues.

   • Navigate between steps using the arrows in the top-right corner to troubleshoot.

     

   • Access individual step testing options via the three dots within each step.

     

Finalizing the Tool

Upon satisfactory testing and adjustments, save your tool. It will then be ready for integration into your AI agent's operations, enhancing your overall AI strategy.