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Dictionary

Function Calling

The API mechanism that lets a model request a tool call.

1 min readupdated 2026-07-04

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Function calling exposes typed function signatures to the model; the model returns a structured call the runtime executes. The primitive underlying every agent framework. The API mechanism that lets a model request a tool call.

The API mechanism that lets a model request a tool call. Function calling exposes typed function signatures to the model; the model returns a structured call the runtime executes. The primitive underlying every agent framework. In practice: Passing tools: [{ name: 'get_weather', parameters: { city: 'string' } }] to the API. This dictionary node is part of the Onexial knowledge graph and links to related concepts, workflows and tools below.
Definition
Function calling exposes typed function signatures to the model; the model returns a structured call the runtime executes. The primitive underlying every agent framework.
Example
Passing tools: [{ name: 'get_weather', parameters: { city: 'string' } }] to the API.
Related Tool Stacks
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What is Function Calling?

Function calling exposes typed function signatures to the model; the model returns a structured call the runtime executes. The primitive underlying every agent framework.

What is an example of Function Calling?

Passing tools: [{ name: 'get_weather', parameters: { city: 'string' } }] to the API.

Why does Function Calling matter for AI and automation?

The API mechanism that lets a model request a tool call. It connects to the workflows, prompts and tool stacks linked on this page, so you can move from definition to execution without leaving Onexial.

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Related concepts

The vocabulary this page depends on.

  • MCP (Model Context Protocol)

    Open protocol that lets LLMs connect to tools, data sources and apps through a standard interface.

  • Agentic RAG

    RAG where an agent decides what to retrieve, when, and from which source — instead of a single static query.

  • Agentic Workflow

    A workflow where an LLM decides the next step instead of a hard-coded path.

  • Tool Use

    An LLM invoking external functions to act beyond text generation.

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Related workflows

Turn this into a repeatable process.

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Related tool stacks

The tools that run it in production.

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Comparisons & alternatives

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