Comparison
Tool Use vs Workflow vs Agent
Tool Use and Workflow vs Agent are both common AI/LLM terms but cover different ideas. Here is a quick side-by-side.
When you would reach for Tool Use
Tool Use comes up when the question is fundamentally about agents & tools.
Calling get_weather(city) and getting back JSON the model interprets.
When you would reach for Workflow vs Agent
Always reach for workflow first. Move to agent only when the next step genuinely cannot be predetermined.
A workflow: incoming email → classify → route to template responder. Deterministic.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Tool Use and Workflow vs Agent?
Tool Use: Tool use is when an LLM can call external functions — APIs, code interpreters, databases, web fetchers — and read their results. The mechanism that turns chat into action. Workflow vs Agent: A workflow is a deterministic pipeline where humans hard-code the LLM call sequence. An agent lets the LLM decide which steps to take. Anthropic's recommended default is workflow first, agent only when needed.
When should I use Tool Use vs Workflow vs Agent?
Tool Use is the right concept when you are focused on agents & tools. Always reach for workflow first. Move to agent only when the next step genuinely cannot be predetermined.
Are Tool Use and Workflow vs Agent the same thing?
No. Tool Use is agents & tools; Workflow vs Agent is agents & tools. They are related but address different parts of the AI stack.