Learn how Bob uses specialized tools to read files, edit code, run commands, and interact with your development environment.

Tool workflow

When you work with Bob, it determines the appropriate actions. For each step, Bob will:

Tool categories

Bob's tools are grouped by their primary function. Understanding these categories helps you see how Bob performs different tasks.

Read tools let Bob access file content and understand code structure without making changes.

Tool	Purpose	Example use
`read_file`	Read the contents of one or more files	View configuration files, examine source code
`search_files`	Search across files using regex	Find TODOs, locate function definitions
`list_files`	List files and directories	Explore project structure, find file types
`list_code_definition_names`	Extract class, function, and method names	Get an overview of code organization

Bob uses read tools when your request involves reviewing code, searching for patterns, or examining project structure.

Write tools let Bob create new files or modify existing code.

Tool	Purpose	Example use
`write_to_file`	Create a new file or overwrite an existing file	Generate new components, create configuration files
`apply_diff`	Apply targeted changes to specific parts of a file	Update function logic, fix bugs, refactor code
`insert_content`	Insert content at a specific position in a file	Add imports, insert new functions

Bob uses write tools when your request involves creating files, implementing features, fixing bugs, or refactoring code.

Command tools let Bob run commands and perform system operations.

Tool	Purpose	Example use
`execute_command`	Run CLI commands in your workspace	Install dependencies, run tests, build projects

Bob uses command tools when your request involves running commands, installing packages, running scripts, or performing system operations.

MCP tools let Bob extend its capabilities through connected Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers.

Tool	Purpose	Example use
`use_mcp_tool`	Access tools provided by connected MCP servers	Query databases, interact with APIs, access external services

Bob uses MCP tools when your request involves capabilities provided by configured MCP servers.

Mode tools let Bob switch between different modes for specialized tasks.

Tool	Purpose	Example use
`switch_mode`	Change to a different mode (Code, Plan, Ask, etc.)	Switch to Plan mode for architecture design, Code mode for implementation

Bob uses mode tools when your request is better handled by a different mode and its specialized capabilities.

Question tools let Bob gather additional information needed to complete tasks.

Tool	Purpose	Example use
`ask_followup_question`	Request clarification or additional detail	Ask about preferred implementation approach, request missing information

Bob uses question tools when your request requires more information or clarification before Bob can proceed.