Academy starter folder · Proscris Academy

How Your Agent Uses Tools

Understand file tools, the terminal, connectors, extensions and plugins while keeping your own role simple: describe the outcome and review the evidence.

Your prepared files are ready

Use this start page in your browser before opening the folder in VS Code. You do not have to write code, run a command, connect an account or submit homework.

The lesson pages contain the complete written explanations and guided activities. These downloaded files give you small examples to inspect later. All business names and records here are fictional.

  1. Extract the ZIP using your normal file manager.
  2. Open the extracted proscris-academy-starter folder in VS Code if you want optional app practice.
  3. Find courses/how-agents-use-tools. Start with a prepared file below and follow the matching lesson.

Open this course on Proscris Academy

A familiar working pattern

Describe, use guidance, inspect the resultThree labeled stages show a question, the relevant source or method and a result to review.1. Describe the taskOne useful result2. Use the sourceRelevant guidance3. Review the resultCheck what happened
  1. Describe the task. Name one useful result.
  2. Use the source. Choose relevant information or guidance.
  3. Review the result. Check what happened.

An illustrated learning model, not a live agent connection. Different tools and supported applications handle the mechanics.

Try one small choice here

The chat says “I will update the note.” What tells you the file actually changed?

Prepared examples

Markdown files are readable text. A browser may show or download them; open them in VS Code for a familiar editing view.

Your ten short lessons

  1. An Answer and an Action Are Different
    Recognize whether the assistant is explaining something or using a tool to affect a specific item.
  2. Meet the Tools in the Toolbox
    Match a tool to the job and distinguish extensions, plugins, APIs and MCP connections.
  3. The Terminal Is a Place Tools Can Work
    Understand the terminal as a text-based work area without typing commands.
  4. Different Computers, Similar Intentions
    Recognize that an agent must adapt its method to the actual computer and shell.
  5. Name the Place Where the Action Happens
    Identify the file, folder, account or site that a proposed tool action will affect.
  6. Read, Draft, Change or Send
    Distinguish gathering information, preparing a draft, changing a record and sending something.
  7. Read the Result Like a Business Receipt
    Match the agent’s completion claim to evidence of the actual requested result.
  8. When a Tool Cannot Finish
    Treat unavailable tools, denied actions and uncertain results as different situations with clear next steps.
  9. Ask for One Inspectable Action
    Describe a small agent-led inspection using a named source, a clear question and a practical boundary.
  10. Keep a Simple Tool-Use Routine
    Use a repeatable routine: describe the result, confirm the target, understand the effect and inspect the evidence.

Official help when you need it

Download VS Code from Microsoft. The application is a separate official download; this starter kit contains no installers.