# Agent Tools

Tools extend what agents can do by connecting them to external data sources and APIs. Assign tools to agents to give them access to information and actions beyond the knowledge base.

## Tool Types

| Tool Type                                                            | Description                                                 | Plan |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | ---- |
| [API Tools](/docs/integrations/custom-extensions/api-tools.md)       | Make HTTP requests to external services                     | Pro  |
| [MCP Servers](/docs/integrations/custom-extensions/mcp-servers.md)   | Connect via Model Context Protocol for complex integrations | Pro  |
| [Sheet Search](/docs/integrations/custom-extensions/sheet-search.md) | Search spreadsheet data in your knowledge base              | All  |

### API Tools

API tools let agents make HTTP requests to external services. Use them to connect agents to your internal systems, third-party APIs, or custom backends.

**Common use cases:**

* Check inventory levels
* Look up customer information
* Verify appointment availability
* Retrieve pricing data

[Learn more about API Tools](/docs/integrations/custom-extensions/api-tools.md)

### MCP Servers

MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers provide a standardized way to connect agents to external tools and data sources. MCP enables secure, two-way connections and can expose multiple tools through a single connection.

**Common use cases:**

* Connect to databases
* Integrate with enterprise systems
* Use pre-built MCP connectors
* Build custom integrations

[Learn more about MCP Servers](/docs/integrations/custom-extensions/mcp-servers.md)

### Sheet Search

Sheet search tools let agents search through spreadsheet data you've uploaded to your knowledge base. Useful for structured data that doesn't fit well in documents.

**Common use cases:**

* Product specifications
* Pricing tables
* Store locations
* FAQ databases

[Learn more about Sheet Search](/docs/integrations/custom-extensions/sheet-search.md)


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# Agent Instructions: 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:

```
GET https://alhena.gitbook.io/docs/ai-configuration/agents/tools.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
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.