Choose a local method, standalone tool, or plugin

Overview

A local method is appropriate for behavior private to one agent. A static ToolAlias method is a simple reusable function. A plugin is a stateful collection with per-agent initialization, dependencies and disposal. Start with a fixture lookup before connecting a real ticket system.

A callable tool is a controlled entry point

A model cannot execute arbitrary methods just because they exist in your project. You expose a selected function with a name, description and input shape, then include it in the agent's available tools. Operations Desk starts with a fixture lookup so tool selection can be learned without credentials or writes to a real ticket system.

When a plugin is worth the extra structure

A local function fits one agent's private helper. A standalone aliased static tool fits a small reusable operation without per-instance state. A plugin fits several related operations that share dependencies and initialization. A request-system client with a tenant-bound connection belongs in a plugin; adding a plugin merely to concatenate two strings adds lifecycle work without a benefit.

Choose the smallest tool boundary

Download the Operations Desk source. The README lists project setup, package prerequisites and local ports.

1. Implement GetRequest as a deterministic function returning a typed record. Give the function and parameters clear Description attributes.
2. Use a standalone tool for pure formatting or validation. Move request lookup into a plugin when it needs an HTTP client, settings or agent context.
3. Select tools/plugins in AgentConfiguration and resolve configured tools once during initialization.

using System.ComponentModel;
using FabrCore.Core;

public static class RequestTools
{
    [ToolAlias("request-lookup")]
    [Description("Read the fixture request by its exact ID. Returns null when absent.")]
    public static string? Lookup(
        [Description("Request ID, for example SR-1042")] string requestId)
        => requestId == "SR-1042"
            ? "SR-1042: Printer unavailable; status Open."
            : null;
}

{
  "Tools": [
    "request-lookup"
  ]
}

Go deeper

Explore the related documentation.

• FabrCore Tools
• FabrCore Mcp
• FabrCore Agent Framework
• Standalone Tool Rules