> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cotool.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tools and Integrations

> How tools power your AI agents

**Tools** are the bridge between agent intelligence and real-world actions. Each tool is a structured function that agents can call to interact with your security stack, query data, or automate workflows.

## What Are Tools?

Tools are discrete, well-defined actions that agents can perform. Each tool:

* Has a **clear purpose** (e.g., "Search Splunk logs", "Create Jira ticket")
* Accepts **typed parameters** (search query, ticket title, etc.)
* Returns **structured data** that agents can reason about
* Is **authenticated** and scoped to your organization

<Note>
  Think of tools as the agent's **hands** - they allow it to interact with the world beyond just thinking and reasoning.
</Note>

## How Agents Use Tools

Agents decide which tools to use based on:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Task Understanding">
    Agent analyzes the task and identifies what information it needs or what actions it should take.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tool Selection">
    Agent chooses relevant tools from its available toolset based on the tool descriptions and current context.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Parameter Construction">
    Agent constructs appropriate parameters for the tool call (e.g., search query, filters, identifiers).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Execution">
    Tool is invoked with the provided parameters. The integration handles authentication and API calls.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Result Processing">
    Agent receives structured results and incorporates them into its reasoning for next steps.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Integrations vs Tools

It's important to understand the distinction:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Integrations">
    **Integrations** are authenticated connections to external services.

    * You authenticate once (OAuth, API key)
    * Credentials are stored securely
    * One integration can power multiple tools
    * Example: The **Jira integration** powers tools like:
      * `create_jira_ticket`
      * `update_jira_ticket`
      * `list_jira_issues`
      * `add_jira_comment`
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Tools">
    **Tools** are specific actions within an integration.

    * Each tool does one thing well
    * Tools are stateless and idempotent when possible
    * Tools accept structured parameters
    * Tools return structured results
    * Example: `create_jira_ticket` is a tool that uses the Jira integration
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Granting Tool Access

Agents only have access to tools you explicitly grant. When creating or editing an agent:

1. Browse available tools by category or integration
2. Select which tools the agent can use
3. Agent can only call tools in its allowed list

<Warning>
  Agents cannot discover or use tools they haven't been granted. This prevents unintended actions from being taken by agents.
</Warning>