Tool Calling vs Function Calling
# support
i
What is the difference between tool calling and function calling?
v
message has been deleted
message has been deleted
@Ibrahim In the context of software development, "tool calling" and "function calling" can refer to similar actions but are often used in different contexts. Function calling refers to the process of invoking a function, which is a reusable piece of code that performs a specific task. When you call a function, you are asking the program to execute the code within that function, often passing in parameters and receiving a return value. Tool calling, on the other hand, can refer to invoking a standalone utility or application that performs a specific task. Tools can be command-line utilities, software applications, or services that are used to accomplish a job. They might be more complex and can sometimes be made up of multiple functions and modules. In the context of VAPI, function calling would refer to invoking specific functions within the API, such as
close_ticket
, to perform actions or retrieve data. Tool calling might refer to using a more complex set of operations or utilities that could involve multiple function calls or interactions with the API to achieve a broader goal. In the case of the
multi_tool_use.parallel
function, it allows for calling multiple functions (tools within the namespace) in parallel, which is a form of tool calling that orchestrates function calls to work together simultaneously.
You can continue this conversation by mentioning me in the message.
@Ibrahim In the context of software development and APIs, "tool calling" and "function calling" can sometimes be used interchangeably, but they can also have distinct meanings depending on the context: - **Function Calling**: This refers to the process of invoking a function, which is a reusable piece of code that performs a specific task. Functions can take input parameters, execute code, and return a value. In programming, calling a function typically involves using the function's name followed by parentheses, which may contain arguments if the function requires them. - **Tool Calling**: The term "tool" is often broader and can refer to software applications, utilities, or systems that provide a set of features or functions. Calling a tool might involve running a software program, executing a script, or using a command-line utility. It can also involve interacting with an API that provides access to the tool's capabilities. In the context of VAPI (Voice API for voice developers), "tool calling" might refer to using a specific utility or service that is part of the API, while "function calling" would refer to invoking individual functions provided by the API. Both concepts involve triggering a set of predefined operations to achieve a desired outcome, but the scope and complexity can vary. Functions are typically smaller, well-defined operations within a larger system, while tools can be more complex and may encompass multiple functions or features.
You can continue this conversation by mentioning me in the message.
s
^ Check the relevant thread.
i
Yup was able to and the answer there was super helpful. Thanks.
@Ibrahim sorry did you get ?
i
Functions do not exist anymore I think
You can ignore functions
a
thanks
14 Views