> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.riff.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.riff.ai/reference/riff-agent/tools.md). # Tools Tools are the actions the Riff agent uses to get things done. When you ask the Riff agent to build a feature, fix a bug, or connect an integration, it uses tools behind the scenes to carry out each step. ## How tools work You do not call tools directly. The Riff agent decides which tools to use and in what order, based on your message. While it works, the chat panel shows each tool call inline — the tool name, what it is doing, and how long it takes. ## What the Riff agent can do The Riff agent has tools to: * **Read and write code** — create, edit, and delete files in your project * **Install packages** — add frontend (NPM) and backend (Python) libraries * **Query and write to the database** — read table data, create records, run migrations * **Search your knowledge** — look up information in your Context library * **Call your integrations** — interact with connected services (ERPs, Slack, email, etc.) * **Create and update tasks** — manage the task board as it works * **Suggest knowledge** — propose new entries for your Context library based on what it learns ## Riff-managed vs. custom tools In the Agent builder, your agent's Profile tab shows the tools available to the agent you are building. These may include: * **Riff-managed tools** — built-in tools the platform provides (shown with a "Riff managed" badge) * **Custom tools** — tools you have added specifically for this agent These are tools for your built agent — not the same as the tools the Riff agent uses while helping you build. The [Profile](/reference/agent-builder/profile.md) tab is where you review and manage your agent's tool set. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.riff.ai/reference/riff-agent/tools.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.