Function Calling
Function calling enables AI models to interact with external systems, APIs, and custom code. This powerful feature allows you to build dynamic applications that can fetch live data, perform actions, and integrate with your existing infrastructure.
Requirements
Subscription Level: Function calling requires a ‘Basic’ subscription or higher.
Model Support: Check the Models page to verify which models support function calling by looking for the function_calling parameter.
How It Works
- Define functions with schemas describing parameters
- Send a request with your functions and a user query
- The model decides if it needs to call a function
- If needed, the model returns structured function call data
- Execute the function in your code
- Send the result back to the model for final response
Basic Example
Complete Workflow Example
Here’s a full implementation including function execution:
Advanced Use Cases
Database Queries
E-commerce Actions
Calendar Management
Function Schema Best Practices
Clear Descriptions
Detailed Parameters
Required vs Optional
Error Handling
Always handle potential errors in function execution:
Tips for Success
- Write clear, descriptive function and parameter descriptions
- Use strict schema validation when possible
- Handle errors gracefully and return informative messages
- Test functions independently before integrating
- Consider rate limits and timeouts for external APIs
- Log function calls for debugging and analytics
- Validate function arguments before execution
- Return structured JSON responses from your functions