Tool usage (function calling) in Prompt Engineering / GenAI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is function calling in the context of AI tool usage?

Function calling means asking an AI or program to run a specific task or tool by giving it the right command or input.

beginner

Why do we use function calling when working with AI tools?

We use function calling to make AI tools do specific jobs automatically, like getting data or making predictions, without doing everything by hand.

beginner

What is an example of a simple function call in AI?

Calling a function like `predict(input_data)` to get the AI model's prediction for some input.

intermediate

How does function calling improve AI model interaction?

It lets users or programs easily ask the AI to do tasks step-by-step, making the process clear and organized.

intermediate

What should you check before calling a function in an AI tool?

You should check the function name, required inputs, and expected outputs to make sure the call works correctly.

What does function calling in AI tools do?

A Stops the AI from working

B Runs a specific task or tool automatically

C Creates new data randomly

D Deletes the AI model

Function calling runs a specific task or tool automatically when requested.

Which is an example of a function call?

A model = AI

B input_data = 5

C print('Hello')

D predict(input_data)

predict(input_data) is a function call asking the AI to predict based on input_data.

Before calling a function, you should check:

A The color of the screen

B The weather outside

C Function name and inputs

D Your internet speed

Checking function name and inputs ensures the function call works correctly.

Function calling helps AI tools by:

A Making tasks automatic and organized

B Making AI slower

C Deleting data

D Changing the AI's code randomly

Function calling makes tasks automatic and organized for easier AI use.

Which is NOT true about function calling?

A It deletes the AI model permanently

B It requires knowing the function inputs

C It lets you run specific AI tasks

D It helps organize AI interactions

Function calling does not delete the AI model; it runs tasks.

Explain in your own words what function calling means when using AI tools.

Think about how you tell a friend to do something specific.

Describe the steps you take before calling a function in an AI tool.

Imagine preparing instructions before asking someone to help.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of calling a function in AI tool usage?

easy

A. To perform a specific task using given inputs

B. To create new data without inputs

C. To store data permanently

D. To display the AI model architecture

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand function role in AI tools

   Functions are blocks of code designed to perform specific tasks when called with inputs.

2. Step 2: Identify the purpose of calling functions

   Calling a function means using it to do a job, usually with parameters to guide the task.

3. Final Answer:

   To perform a specific task using given inputs -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Function call = perform task with inputs [OK]

Hint: Functions do tasks using inputs, not just store or show data [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking functions create data without inputs
• Confusing function calls with data storage
• Assuming functions only display info

2. Which of the following is the correct way to call a function named generate_text with a parameter prompt in Python?

easy

A. generate_text = prompt

B. generate_text->prompt()

C. call generate_text(prompt)

D. generate_text(prompt)

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall Python function call syntax

   In Python, functions are called by writing the function name followed by parentheses enclosing parameters.

2. Step 2: Match syntax with options

   generate_text(prompt) uses the correct syntax: function name followed by parentheses with parameter inside.

3. Final Answer:

   generate_text(prompt) -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Python function call = name(params) [OK]

Hint: Use functionName(parameters) to call in Python [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using assignment (=) instead of call
• Adding extra keywords like 'call'
• Using wrong symbols like '->'

3. Given the code:

def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a + b

result = add_numbers(3, 5)
print(result)

What will be printed?

medium

A. None

B. 8

C. TypeError

D. 35

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand function behavior

   The function add_numbers takes two inputs and returns their sum.

2. Step 2: Calculate the sum of inputs 3 and 5

   3 + 5 equals 8, so the function returns 8, which is stored in result.

3. Final Answer:

   8 -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   3 + 5 = 8 [OK]

Hint: Add inputs inside function to get output [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Concatenating numbers as strings (35)
• Expecting error due to parameters
• Ignoring return value (None)

4. Identify the error in this function call:

def translate(text, language):
    return f"{text} in {language}"

result = translate("Hello")
print(result)

medium

A. Return statement syntax error

B. Function name is incorrect

C. Missing second argument 'language' in function call

D. Print statement is missing parentheses

Solution

1. Step 1: Check function definition parameters

   The function translate requires two parameters: text and language.

2. Step 2: Check function call arguments

   The call translate("Hello") provides only one argument, missing the second required parameter.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing second argument 'language' in function call -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   All parameters must be given when calling [OK]

Hint: Count parameters in definition and match in call [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring missing arguments
• Assuming default values without definition
• Misreading function name or print syntax

5. You want to use a function summarize_text that takes a long text and a number max_length to limit summary size. Which call correctly uses this function to summarize article with a max length of 100?

hard

A. summary = summarize_text(article, max_length=100)

B. summary = summarize_text(max_length=100, article)

C. summary = summarize_text(article max_length=100)

D. summary = summarize_text(article, 100, max_length)

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand function parameters and calling conventions

   The function expects two inputs: the text and the max_length number. Keyword arguments can be used to specify parameters by name.

2. Step 2: Identify correct syntax for positional and keyword arguments

   summary = summarize_text(article, max_length=100) correctly passes article as the first argument and uses max_length=100 as a keyword argument.

3. Final Answer:

   summary = summarize_text(article, max_length=100) -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Positional first, then keyword args [OK]

Hint: Use positional args first, then named args [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Placing keyword argument before positional
• Missing commas between arguments
• Adding extra unexpected arguments