20
tool use
The model does not only talk — it runs commands, edits files, clicks a browser. Every step must be stoppable.
What is tool use?
Tool use plugs the agent into a real environment: shell, editor, browser, tests. Power goes up. So does the blast radius.
Why does tool use matter when vibe coding?
Without tools the model can only emit a patch. With tools it can run the red bar itself. You name which tools it may use, and “plan before touching.”
How do you do tool use?
Default: plan first. Limit writable paths. You name the test command. No opportunistic repo-wide format, no git push --force.
How do you ask a model for tool use?
You may run (test command) and edit (paths). Plan first, wait for OK. Do not format the repository, force-push, or touch unrelated files.
What goes wrong with tool use?
Handing an agent an unrestricted shell and leaving the room. Tools want a whitelist.