# Tools / Connectors

> Understand what tools are on AgentPMT and how your AI agent uses them to get things done.

Content type: documentation
Source URL: https://www.agentpmt.com/docs/core-concepts/what-is-a-tool
Markdown URL: https://www.agentpmt.com/docs/core-concepts/what-is-a-tool?format=agent-md
Category: Core Concepts

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# Tools / Connectors

A **tool** (also called a connector) is a service your AI agent can call to perform an action or retrieve data. Tools are the building blocks of everything your agent does on AgentPMT.

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## How Tools Work

When your agent needs to do something -- search the web, send an email, look up a product, generate an image -- it calls a tool. The flow is simple:

1. **Agent decides it needs a tool**
   Based on your instructions, the agent determines which tool to use.

2. **AgentPMT routes the call**
   The platform checks that the tool is in your Agent Group, your credentials are set up, and your spending cap hasn't been exceeded.

3. **Tool executes and returns results**
   AgentPMT runs the tool or integration and sends results back to your agent. Your agent group is charged the tool's current credit cost.

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## Types of Tools

- **Function Tools**: API-based tools that perform actions: search, generate, transform, send messages, and more.
  - **Data Tools**: Tools that return structured data: market prices, weather, product catalogs, analytics.
  - **Compute Tools**: Tools that run compute-intensive tasks: image generation, video processing, ML inference.
  - **Physical Products**: Real-world items your agent can order on your behalf: supplies, gifts, food delivery.

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## What Makes a Tool Available

A tool only appears to your agent if:

1. **It's in your Agent Group** -- You've added the tool to the group your agent uses
2. **Credentials are bound** -- If the tool requires API keys or OAuth tokens, you've provided them
3. **Your spending cap allows it** -- The tool's credit cost doesn't exceed your remaining cap

> INFO
>
> AgentPMT manages the tool catalog and integrations. Each tool page shows the current credit cost and any required credentials before your agent uses it.

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## Where to Find Tools

- [Browse the Marketplace](/marketplace) - Search and filter tools by category or type
  - [API To MCP Tool Conversion](/docs/agent-connections/api-to-mcp-tool-conversion) - Turn your own authenticated API into a private agent tool
  - [What is a Workflow](/docs/core-concepts/what-is-a-workflow) - Learn how tools chain together into automated workflows