1# Agent Tools — Simple Tools
2 
3Add tools to agents to extend capabilities. This file covers tools that work without external connections. For tools requiring connections/RBAC setup, see:
4- [Web Search tool](tool-web-search.md) — real-time public web search with citations (default for web search)
5- [Bing Grounding tool](tool-bing-grounding.md) — web search via dedicated Bing resource (only when explicitly requested)
6- [Azure AI Search tool](tool-azure-ai-search.md) — private data grounding with vector search
7- [MCP tool](tool-mcp.md) — remote Model Context Protocol servers
8 
9## Code Interpreter
10 
11Enables agents to write and run Python in a sandboxed environment. Supports data analysis, chart generation, and file processing. Has [additional charges](https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/details/cognitive-services/openai-service/) beyond token-based fees.
12 
13> Sessions: 1-hour active / 30-min idle timeout. Each conversation = separate billable session.
14 
15For code samples, see: [Code Interpreter tool documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/ai-foundry/agents/how-to/tools/code-interpreter?view=foundry)
16 
17## Function Calling
18 
19Define custom functions the agent can invoke. Your app executes the function and returns results. Runs expire 10 minutes after creation — return tool outputs promptly.
20 
21> **Security:** Treat tool arguments as untrusted input. Don't pass secrets in tool output. Use `strict=True` for schema validation.
22 
23For code samples, see: [Function Calling tool documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/ai-foundry/agents/how-to/tools/function-calling?view=foundry)
24 
25## Tool Summary
26 
27| Tool | Connection? | Reference |
28|------|-------------|-----------|
29| `CodeInterpreterTool` | No | This file |
30| `FileSearchTool` | No (vector store required) | [tool-file-search.md](tool-file-search.md) |
31| `FunctionTool` | No | This file |
32| `WebSearchPreviewTool` | No | [tool-web-search.md](tool-web-search.md) |
33| `BingGroundingAgentTool` | Yes (Bing) | [tool-bing-grounding.md](tool-bing-grounding.md) |
34| `AzureAISearchAgentTool` | Yes (Search) | [tool-azure-ai-search.md](tool-azure-ai-search.md) |
35| `MCPTool` | Optional | [tool-mcp.md](tool-mcp.md) |
36 
37> ⚠️ **Default for web search:** Use `WebSearchPreviewTool` unless the user explicitly requests Bing Grounding or Bing Custom Search.
38 
39> Combine multiple tools on one agent. The model decides which to invoke.
40 
41## References
42 
43- [Tool Catalog](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/ai-foundry/agents/concepts/tool-catalog?view=foundry)
44- [Code Interpreter](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/ai-foundry/agents/how-to/tools/code-interpreter?view=foundry)
45- [Function Calling](https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/ai-foundry/agents/how-to/tools/function-calling?view=foundry)
46