Tools give agents access to external capabilities. Use tools when an agent needs to search documents, call APIs, query systems, or use an MCP server.

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Tool areas

Pinter separates tool-related work into these app areas:

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Available tool types

Agents can use two built-in ADK tools and several configurable tool types: Configurable types store their credentials and settings as tool instances. Assign the tool instance to an agent in the builder; the backend resolves the reference at run time. See Backend and ADK architecture for the reference format.
1

Create or connect the tool

Add the tool in the relevant app area.
2

Test the tool

Verify the tool works before assigning it to an agent.
3

Assign the tool to an agent

Open the agent builder and add the tool to the agent configuration.
4

Run the agent

Use chat or evaluation to check the result.
Only connect tools that the agent is allowed to use. Tools can expose sensitive data or perform external actions.