# FAQ & Troubleshooting

# FAQs

This section answers common questions about Tools module in Purple Fabric and how they can be effectively used within different modules.

1. Can I use a Tool component inside an Automated Workflow?
Yes. Any published Custom function can be added to your flow. Inputs are passed to the tool component at runtime, and outputs can be used by downstream components.

2. Who can see the tools I create?
By default, tool components are set to Private, meaning only you can access them. To share tools across your workspace, set the Visibility to Public when publishing the tool. Access is still governed by your workspace's role-based permissions.

3. How do I update a tool after it's published?
Tool module components are version-controlled. To make updates, select the tool, click Edit, and make your changes. You must Publish the new version for changes to reflect.

4. Can I test a Custom Function before publishing it?
Yes. While creating or editing a custom function, use the built-in Test Panel to pass sample inputs and preview the output before publishing. This helps validate structure, response handling, and data mapping.

5. What happens if a required field is missing in a tool component definition?
The Custom Function will not be saved or published until all required fields (e.g., Inputs, Output) are correctly configured. Errors will be highlighted inline during setup.

6. Is there an inventory of all available APIs and custom functions used by the agents and workflows?
Yes, the platform supports showcasing an inventory of all registered APIs and custom functions within the Tools module in their respective management tabs. This ensures full transparency regarding the external capabilities and execution logic that agents utilize, which is essential for auditability and explainability.

# Troubleshooting Guide

This section outlines known issues and how to resolve them when working with Tools.

7. My Custom Function is not appearing when I try to add it to an Agent.
When a Custom Function is not visible in the selection area during agent configuration, verify the following:

  • Publication Status: Ensure the Custom Function has been published. Drafts are not listed in the selection area.
  • Visibility Setting: Check that the components visibility is not set to Private, unless you are the creator.

8. My Agent cannot access the API tool response in its later steps
When an API tool is used within an Agent and its response data is not available in subsequent agent steps, verify the following:

  • Output Mapping: In the API tool configuration, confirm that the Output mapping is defined correctly and captures all required response fields.​
  • Response Format: Ensure the API returns valid JSON or structured data. The Agent cannot parse unstructured or malformed API responses.​
  • Variable Reference: In the downstream agent step, verify that you are referencing the correct output variable name from the API tool.

9. My custom function is throwing a runtime error.

  • Use the Test Panel with sample inputs to isolate the issue.
  • Review the console output or error logs provided during test runs.
  • Make sure imported libraries or packages are supported within the execution environment.

10. In Custom Functions, input fields are not appearing in the configuration panel.

  • Ensure you’ve defined all Input Parameters.
  • Double-check that each input has a label, variable name, and data type specified.