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

# Managing Tools

> Configure tools that extend agent capabilities

## Understanding Tools

Tools are integrations that allow agents to fetch external data, process information, interact with systems, and validate results.

**Categories**: Web research (search, content extraction), data tools (database queries, APIs), communication (email, Slack, webhooks).

## Adding Tools to Agents

Navigate to **Agents** → Create or edit agent → Select tools from **Available Tools** section → Save.

**Best Practices**:

* Start with essential tools only
* Add gradually based on specific needs
* Monitor which tools are used most
* Remove unused tools for better performance

## Available Tools

### Web Search

**Tavily Search**: Comprehensive web search optimized for AI. Requires Tavily API key variable. Best for research, fact-checking, current information.

**Custom Web APIs**: Access specific data sources with custom endpoints and authentication.

### Database Tools

**Internal Database Access**: Query your databases with secure connections. For customer data lookup, inventory, historical data.

**External Database APIs**: Third-party database services for market data, financial information, research databases.

### Communication

**Email Integration**: Send notifications and reports via SMTP or email service APIs.

**Team Messaging**: Post updates to Slack, Teams for progress notifications and alerts.

## Creating Custom Tools

Navigate to **Tools** → **Create Tool** → **API Request**.

Configure:

* **Endpoint URL**: The API endpoint
* **Method**: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE
* **Headers**: Including authentication
* **Input Schema**: Parameters for agent use

Test tools using the testing interface before assigning to agents.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Creating API Tools" icon="code" href="/guides/tools/api-tools">
    Create custom API tools
  </Card>

  <Card title="Creating MCP Tools" icon="plug" href="/guides/tools/mcp-tools">
    Connect to MCP servers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Testing Agents" icon="flask" href="/guides/agents/testing-agents">
    Test agents with tools
  </Card>

  <Card title="Creating Agents" icon="plus" href="/guides/agents/creating-agents">
    Create agents with tools
  </Card>
</CardGroup>