Thread by @RubenHssd

Anthropic just released their first AI educational course on tool use.

7-course links & academic papers.

Here's the link + a summary of each:

#1 → Intro to tool use

First, what is tool use?

Tool use allows Claude to extend its capabilities by invoking:
> external tools
> functions

It allows us to write code that can perform specific tasks that Claude wouldn't be able to do.

#2 → Why does it matter?

It's a crucial feature that enhances the value & impact of Claude applications.

> Integrate your existing systems
> Extend Claude's capabilities
> Enhance user experience
> Automate complex tasks
> Scale and customize

#3 → How does it work?

Tool use involves defining tools for Claude.

1. Define tools with:
> names
> descriptions
> input schemas

2. Provide them to Claude.

3. Claude uses these tools to perform tasks, with results returned and integrated into responses.

#4 → Your first simple tool

They are sharing a simple example of tool use:

→ resolving math problems.

Claude struggles at doing complex math, so they provided a calculator tool.

Full example below:

#5 → Forcing JSON with tool use

The most interesting way of utilizing the tool use is forcing Claude to respond with structured content like JSON.

→ Simply ask for it.

Define a tool that describes a particular JSON structure. Claude will respond back.

#6 → Complete workflow

They shared a diagram of a general overview of the process:

1. You share the prompt
2. Clause uses a tool
3. You extract input & return results
4. Claude uses a tool to answer

The full process is explained below:

#7 → Tool use with multiple tools

Use case: build a customer support chatbot for an electronics company

They provide Claude with a suite of tools it can select from.

> get_user
> get_order_by_id
> get_customer_orders
> cancel_order

Here's the link: github.com/anthropics/cou…

I test every major LLM to help me create better content faster - so you do too.

Check @rubenhssd for more.

It's me :) I'm ruben

If you'd like to support me, RTs cover my absurd API costs & SaaS subscriptions.