What is a tool
A tool is a callable unit of functionality — something that can be invoked from the app, over an HTTP request, or by an agent. Tools are the foundation the whole platform is built on: the marketplace, analytics, and paid projects all revolve around them. For the plain-language version, see What is a Tool (Function).
The three tool types
Section titled “The three tool types”- Function — structured input and output, for processing and transformation tasks.
- MCP — a server that exposes capabilities via the Model Context Protocol so AI agents can use them. See What is MCP.
- Storm — a content classifier that tags documents against a custom taxonomy.
Where tools live
Section titled “Where tools live”Tools exist in two places: My Tools (your organization’s own tools, private drafts and published versions) and the Marketplace (public tools from any organization). The My Tools view shows operational metrics — run counts, revenue, and ratings — per tool.
Versioning
Section titled “Versioning”Tools use immutable versions following semantic versioning: patch for small fixes, minor for backwards-compatible additions, major for breaking changes. Once a version is published publicly, it’s immutable — which is what lets others depend on it safely.
Visibility & lifecycle
Section titled “Visibility & lifecycle”A tool moves through Draft → Private → Public. Private tools are limited to your organization; public tools appear in the marketplace as Free, Paid (a per-run fee the publisher sets), or Private (visible only to approved organizations). Tools can be deprecated (a 30-day graceful removal) or deleted.
In the enterprise
Section titled “In the enterprise”Who can build tools, and whether a team member’s tools need admin approval before others use them, is set by role. See the Capability matrix and Versions & Publishing.