# Tools

URL: /en/docs/agents/tools

Tools let your agent check stock, look up or create orders and read a sheet in your own systems, through your API, an MCP server or a marketplace app.



Tools connect your agent to other systems so it can do more than answer questions. With a tool, the agent can check stock, look up an order, create an order or read a Google Sheet. Each agent only uses the tools you add to it, and each call is logged so you can see what the agent did.

## Create a tool [#create-a-tool]

Open **Tools** under **Agents** in the sidebar and choose **Create**:

![The tool type picker with HTTP Tool, Custom MCP and Marketplace](https://ecbot.dev/_docs/screenshots/en/tool-types.png)

1. **HTTP Tool** calls an endpoint on your own server. Set the URL, method and authentication, then use the test to check the response.
2. **Custom MCP** connects to a Model Context Protocol server. Ecbot discovers its actions, and you turn on the ones you want.
3. **Marketplace** installs a ready-made app, such as Google Sheets, with one sign-in.

## Add a tool to an agent [#add-a-tool-to-an-agent]

Open the agent's page, go to the **Tools** section and choose **Add**. For MCP and marketplace tools you can switch each action on or off for this agent. The **Recent invocations** list on the same page shows each call the agent made, with its input and result.

## Write good tool descriptions [#write-good-tool-descriptions]

The agent decides when to call a tool from its name and description. Say what the tool returns and when to use it, for example "Look up stock for a product name or SKU. Use before telling a customer an item is available."

To teach the agent a full procedure that uses several tools, write a [skill](https://ecbot.dev/docs/agents/skills).


## FAQ

### What is the difference between a tool and a skill?

A tool does something, such as looking up stock in your system. A skill is text that explains how to handle a kind of request. A skill can tell the agent which tools to use.

### Which marketplace apps can I connect?

The marketplace lists hosted apps such as Gmail, Google Sheets and KiotViet that connect with one sign-in. Each app shows the actions it offers, and you choose which ones the agent may use.

### Is it safe to give the agent access to my accounts?

Turn on only the actions the agent needs to serve customers. A customer can ask the agent anything, so avoid enabling actions that read private files or change data unrelated to the agent's job.