Ai Agents connect to tools through APIs, webhooks, database connections, and specialized protocols such as “Model Context Protocol” (MCP). One of our favorite MCP learning resources can be found here (PulseMCP).

Common tools that an agent might use include email systems, CRM platforms, spreadsheets, chat applications, file storage, and web browsers.

Through tools, AI (and, that means agents) can read and write data, send messages, create documents, and interact with web interfaces. Tool access depends on authentication and permissions you configure. Some agents work through existing user accounts. Others use service accounts with specific privileges.

The breadth of available tools determines agent capabilities. More tools mean more powerful agents but also more complexity and potential failure points.There are more and more tools and connections for AI agents being defined and built every day.