Python: [BREAKING] changed AIFunction to FunctionTool and @ai_function to @tool (#3413)

* changed AIFunction to FunctionTool and @ai_function to @tool

* test and mypy fixes

* mypy fix

* switch function tool to always_require

* fix noop

* fix github copilot imports

* test fixes

* fix ollama test

* fixes for tests

* fix tests

* reverted change to always_require and extended timeout

* fix test

python/samples/README.md

@@ -292,16 +292,22 @@ These samples demonstrate durable agent hosting using the Durable Task Scheduler
 
 ## Tools
 
+Note: Many tool samples set `approval_mode="never_require"` to keep the examples concise. For production scenarios,
+keep `approval_mode="always_require"` unless you are confident in the tool behavior and approval flow. See
+`getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py` and
+`getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py`, plus the workflow approval samples in
+`getting_started/workflows/tool-approval/`, for end-to-end approval handling.
+
 | File | Description |
 |------|-------------|
-| [`getting_started/tools/ai_function_declaration_only.py`](./getting_started/tools/ai_function_declaration_only.py) | Function declarations without implementations for testing agent reasoning |
-| [`getting_started/tools/ai_function_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py`](./getting_started/tools/ai_function_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py) | Creating AI functions from dictionary definitions using dependency injection |
-| [`getting_started/tools/ai_function_recover_from_failures.py`](./getting_started/tools/ai_function_recover_from_failures.py) | Graceful error handling when tools raise exceptions |
-| [`getting_started/tools/ai_function_with_approval.py`](./getting_started/tools/ai_function_with_approval.py) | User approval workflows for function calls without threads |
-| [`getting_started/tools/ai_function_with_approval_and_threads.py`](./getting_started/tools/ai_function_with_approval_and_threads.py) | Tool approval workflows using threads for conversation history management |
-| [`getting_started/tools/ai_function_with_max_exceptions.py`](./getting_started/tools/ai_function_with_max_exceptions.py) | Limiting tool failure exceptions using max_invocation_exceptions |
-| [`getting_started/tools/ai_function_with_max_invocations.py`](./getting_started/tools/ai_function_with_max_invocations.py) | Limiting total tool invocations using max_invocations |
-| [`getting_started/tools/ai_functions_in_class.py`](./getting_started/tools/ai_functions_in_class.py) | Using ai_function decorator with class methods for stateful tools |
+| [`getting_started/tools/function_tool_declaration_only.py`](./getting_started/tools/function_tool_declaration_only.py) | Function declarations without implementations for testing agent reasoning |
+| [`getting_started/tools/function_tool_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py`](./getting_started/tools/function_tool_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py) | Creating local tools from dictionary definitions using dependency injection |
+| [`getting_started/tools/function_tool_recover_from_failures.py`](./getting_started/tools/function_tool_recover_from_failures.py) | Graceful error handling when tools raise exceptions |
+| [`getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py`](./getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py) | User approval workflows for function calls without threads |
+| [`getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py`](./getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py) | Tool approval workflows using threads for conversation history management |
+| [`getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_max_exceptions.py`](./getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_max_exceptions.py) | Limiting tool failure exceptions using max_invocation_exceptions |
+| [`getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_max_invocations.py`](./getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_max_invocations.py) | Limiting total tool invocations using max_invocations |
+| [`getting_started/tools/tool_in_class.py`](./getting_started/tools/tool_in_class.py) | Using the tool decorator with class methods for stateful tools |
 
 ## Workflows
 

python/samples/amazon/bedrock_sample.py

@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-"""This sample has moved to python/packages/bedrock/samples/bedrock_sample.py."""

python/samples/autogen-migration/README.md

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ python samples/autogen-migration/orchestrations/04_magentic_one.py
 
 - **Default behavior differences**: AutoGen's `AssistantAgent` is single-turn by default (`max_tool_iterations=1`), while AF's `ChatAgent` is multi-turn and continues tool execution automatically.
 - **Thread management**: AF agents are stateless by default. Use `agent.get_new_thread()` and pass it to `run()`/`run_stream()` to maintain conversation state, similar to AutoGen's conversation context.
-- **Tools**: AutoGen uses `FunctionTool` wrappers; AF uses `@ai_function` decorators with automatic schema inference.
+- **Tools**: AutoGen uses `FunctionTool` wrappers; AF uses `@tool` decorators with automatic schema inference.
 - **Orchestration patterns**:
   - `RoundRobinGroupChat` → `SequentialBuilder` or `WorkflowBuilder`
   - `SelectorGroupChat` → `GroupChatBuilder` with LLM-based speaker selection

python/samples/autogen-migration/orchestrations/01_round_robin_group_chat.py

@@ -103,6 +103,7 @@ async def run_agent_framework_with_cycle() -> None:
         WorkflowContext,
         WorkflowOutputEvent,
         executor,
+        tool,
     )
     from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 

python/samples/autogen-migration/orchestrations/03_swarm.py

@@ -102,6 +102,7 @@ async def run_agent_framework() -> None:
         RequestInfoEvent,
         WorkflowRunState,
         WorkflowStatusEvent,
+        tool,
     )
     from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 

python/samples/autogen-migration/orchestrations/04_magentic_one.py

@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ async def run_agent_framework() -> None:
         MagenticBuilder,
         MagenticFinalResultEvent,
         MagenticOrchestratorMessageEvent,
+        tool,
     )
     from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 

python/samples/autogen-migration/single_agent/02_assistant_agent_with_tool.py

@@ -46,12 +46,13 @@ async def run_autogen() -> None:
 
 
 async def run_agent_framework() -> None:
-    """Agent Framework agent with @ai_function decorator."""
-    from agent_framework import ai_function
+    """Agent Framework agent with @tool decorator."""
+    from agent_framework import tool
     from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 
-    # Define tool with @ai_function decorator (automatic schema inference)
-    @ai_function
+    # Define tool with @tool decorator (automatic schema inference)
+    # NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+    @tool(approval_mode="never_require")
     def get_weather(location: str) -> str:
         """Get the weather for a location.
 

python/samples/demos/chatkit-integration/app.py

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ import uvicorn
 
 # Agent Framework imports
 from agent_framework import AgentResponseUpdate, ChatAgent, ChatMessage, FunctionResultContent, Role
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 
 # Agent Framework ChatKit integration
@@ -130,7 +131,8 @@ async def stream_widget(
 
     yield ThreadItemDoneEvent(type="thread.item.done", item=widget_item)
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -168,14 +170,14 @@ def get_weather(
     )
     return WeatherResponse(text, weather_data)
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""
     current_time = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
     logger.info("Getting current UTC time")
     return f"Current UTC time: {current_time.strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')} UTC"
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def show_city_selector() -> str:
     """Show an interactive city selector widget to the user.
 

python/samples/demos/m365-agent/m365_agent_demo/app.py

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 from aiohttp import web
 from aiohttp.web_middlewares import middleware
@@ -76,7 +77,8 @@ def load_app_config() -> AppConfig:
         port = 3978
     return AppConfig(use_anonymous_mode=use_anonymous_mode, port=port, agents_sdk_config=agents_sdk_config)
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/demos/workflow_evaluation/_tools.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import json
 from datetime import datetime
 from typing import Annotated
 
-from agent_framework import ai_function
+from agent_framework import tool
 from pydantic import Field
 
 # --- Travel Planning Tools ---
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ from pydantic import Field
 
 
 # Mock hotel search tool
-@ai_function(name="search_hotels", description="Search for available hotels based on location and dates.")
+@tool(name="search_hotels", description="Search for available hotels based on location and dates.")
 def search_hotels(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="City or region to search for hotels.")],
     check_in: Annotated[str, Field(description="Check-in date (e.g., 'December 15, 2025').")],
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ def search_hotels(
 
 
 # Mock hotel details tool
-@ai_function(name="get_hotel_details", description="Get detailed information about a specific hotel.")
+@tool(name="get_hotel_details", description="Get detailed information about a specific hotel.")
 def get_hotel_details(
     hotel_name: Annotated[str, Field(description="Name of the hotel to get details for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ def get_hotel_details(
 
 
 # Mock flight search tool
-@ai_function(name="search_flights", description="Search for available flights between two locations.")
+@tool(name="search_flights", description="Search for available flights between two locations.")
 def search_flights(
     origin: Annotated[str, Field(description="Departure airport or city (e.g., 'JFK' or 'New York').")],
     destination: Annotated[str, Field(description="Arrival airport or city (e.g., 'CDG' or 'Paris').")],
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ def search_flights(
 
 
 # Mock flight details tool
-@ai_function(name="get_flight_details", description="Get detailed information about a specific flight.")
+@tool(name="get_flight_details", description="Get detailed information about a specific flight.")
 def get_flight_details(
     flight_number: Annotated[str, Field(description="Flight number (e.g., 'AF007' or 'DL264').")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ def get_flight_details(
 
 
 # Mock activity search tool
-@ai_function(name="search_activities", description="Search for available activities and attractions at a destination.")
+@tool(name="search_activities", description="Search for available activities and attractions at a destination.")
 def search_activities(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="City or region to search for activities.")],
     date: Annotated[str | None, Field(description="Date for the activity (e.g., 'December 16, 2025').")] = None,
@@ -468,7 +468,7 @@ def search_activities(
 
 
 # Mock activity details tool
-@ai_function(name="get_activity_details", description="Get detailed information about a specific activity.")
+@tool(name="get_activity_details", description="Get detailed information about a specific activity.")
 def get_activity_details(
     activity_name: Annotated[str, Field(description="Name of the activity to get details for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -545,7 +545,7 @@ def get_activity_details(
 
 
 # Mock booking confirmation tool
-@ai_function(name="confirm_booking", description="Confirm a booking reservation.")
+@tool(name="confirm_booking", description="Confirm a booking reservation.")
 def confirm_booking(
     booking_type: Annotated[str, Field(description="Type of booking (e.g., 'hotel', 'flight', 'activity').")],
     booking_id: Annotated[str, Field(description="Unique booking identifier.")],
@@ -579,7 +579,7 @@ def confirm_booking(
 
 
 # Mock hotel availability check tool
-@ai_function(name="check_hotel_availability", description="Check availability for hotel rooms.")
+@tool(name="check_hotel_availability", description="Check availability for hotel rooms.")
 def check_hotel_availability(
     hotel_name: Annotated[str, Field(description="Name of the hotel to check availability for.")],
     check_in: Annotated[str, Field(description="Check-in date (e.g., 'December 15, 2025').")],
@@ -614,7 +614,7 @@ def check_hotel_availability(
 
 
 # Mock flight availability check tool
-@ai_function(name="check_flight_availability", description="Check availability for flight seats.")
+@tool(name="check_flight_availability", description="Check availability for flight seats.")
 def check_flight_availability(
     flight_number: Annotated[str, Field(description="Flight number to check availability for.")],
     date: Annotated[str, Field(description="Flight date (e.g., 'December 15, 2025').")],
@@ -647,7 +647,7 @@ def check_flight_availability(
 
 
 # Mock activity availability check tool
-@ai_function(name="check_activity_availability", description="Check availability for activity bookings.")
+@tool(name="check_activity_availability", description="Check availability for activity bookings.")
 def check_activity_availability(
     activity_name: Annotated[str, Field(description="Name of the activity to check availability for.")],
     date: Annotated[str, Field(description="Activity date (e.g., 'December 16, 2025').")],
@@ -680,7 +680,7 @@ def check_activity_availability(
 
 
 # Mock payment processing tool
-@ai_function(name="process_payment", description="Process payment for a booking.")
+@tool(name="process_payment", description="Process payment for a booking.")
 def process_payment(
     amount: Annotated[float, Field(description="Payment amount.")],
     currency: Annotated[str, Field(description="Currency code (e.g., 'USD', 'EUR').")],
@@ -714,7 +714,7 @@ def process_payment(
 
 
 # Mock payment validation tool
-@ai_function(name="validate_payment_method", description="Validate a payment method before processing.")
+@tool(name="validate_payment_method", description="Validate a payment method before processing.")
 def validate_payment_method(
     payment_method: Annotated[dict, Field(description="Payment method to validate (type, number, expiry, cvv).")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/demos/workflow_evaluation/create_workflow.py

@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     WorkflowOutputEvent,
     executor,
     handler,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIClient
 from azure.ai.projects.aio import AIProjectClient

python/samples/getting_started/agents/anthropic/anthropic_basic.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.anthropic import AnthropicClient
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Anthropic Chat Agent Example
@@ -12,7 +13,8 @@ Anthropic Chat Agent Example
 This sample demonstrates using Anthropic with an agent and a single custom tool.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, "The location to get the weather for."],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai/azure_ai_basic.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIProjectAgentProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent Basic Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates basic usage of AzureAIProjectAgentProvider.
 Shows both streaming and non-streaming responses with function tools.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai/azure_ai_provider_methods.py

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ from azure.ai.projects.aio import AIProjectClient
 from azure.ai.projects.models import AgentReference, PromptAgentDefinition
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Project Agent Provider Methods Example
@@ -25,7 +26,8 @@ with different configurations, which is efficient for multi-agent scenarios.
 Each method returns a ChatAgent that can be used for conversations.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai/azure_ai_use_latest_version.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIProjectAgentProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent Latest Version Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ instead of creating a new agent version on each instantiation. The first call cr
 while subsequent calls with `get_agent()` reuse the latest agent version.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai/azure_ai_with_code_interpreter_file_download.py

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     HostedCodeInterpreterTool,
     HostedFileContent,
     TextContent,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIProjectAgentProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai/azure_ai_with_code_interpreter_file_generation.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import asyncio
 from agent_framework import (
     AgentResponseUpdate,
     HostedCodeInterpreterTool,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIProjectAgentProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai/azure_ai_with_existing_conversation.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIProjectAgentProvider
 from azure.ai.projects.aio import AIProjectClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent Existing Conversation Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ Azure AI Agent Existing Conversation Example
 This sample demonstrates usage of AzureAIProjectAgentProvider with existing conversation created on service side.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai/azure_ai_with_explicit_settings.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIProjectAgentProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent with Explicit Settings Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates creating Azure AI Agents with explicit configuration
 settings rather than relying on environment variable defaults.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai/azure_ai_with_thread.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIProjectAgentProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent with Thread Management Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates thread management with Azure AI Agent, showing
 persistent conversation capabilities using service-managed threads as well as storing messages in-memory.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai_agent/azure_ai_basic.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentsProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent Basic Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates basic usage of AzureAIAgentsProvider to create agents w
 lifecycle management. Shows both streaming and non-streaming responses with function tools.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai_agent/azure_ai_provider_methods.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentsProvider
 from azure.ai.agents.aio import AgentsClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent Provider Methods Example
@@ -19,7 +20,8 @@ This sample demonstrates the methods available on the AzureAIAgentsProvider clas
 - as_agent(): Wrap an SDK Agent object without making HTTP calls
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai_agent/azure_ai_with_code_interpreter_file_generation.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     AgentResponseUpdate,
     HostedCodeInterpreterTool,
     HostedFileContent,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentsProvider
 from azure.ai.agents.aio import AgentsClient

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai_agent/azure_ai_with_existing_thread.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentsProvider
 from azure.ai.agents.aio import AgentsClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent with Existing Thread Example
@@ -17,7 +18,8 @@ This sample demonstrates working with pre-existing conversation threads
 by providing thread IDs for thread reuse patterns.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai_agent/azure_ai_with_explicit_settings.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentsProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent with Explicit Settings Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates creating Azure AI Agents with explicit configuration
 settings rather than relying on environment variable defaults.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai_agent/azure_ai_with_function_tools.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentsProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Agent with Function Tools Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates function tool integration with Azure AI Agents,
 showing both agent-level and query-level tool configuration patterns.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -24,7 +26,7 @@ def get_weather(
     conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "rainy", "stormy"]
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[randint(0, 3)]} with a high of {randint(10, 30)}°C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""
     current_time = datetime.now(timezone.utc)

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai_agent/azure_ai_with_multiple_tools.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     AgentThread,
     HostedMCPTool,
     HostedWebSearchTool,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentsProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -33,6 +34,8 @@ To set up Bing Grounding:
 4. Copy the connection ID and set it as the BING_CONNECTION_ID environment variable
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_ai_agent/azure_ai_with_thread.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import AgentThread
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentsProvider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates thread management with Azure AI Agents, comparing
 automatic thread creation with explicit thread management for persistent context.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_assistants_basic.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIAssistantsClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure OpenAI Assistants Basic Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates basic usage of AzureOpenAIAssistantsClient with automat
 assistant lifecycle management, showing both streaming and non-streaming responses.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_assistants_with_existing_assistant.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIAssistantsClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential, get_bearer_token_provider
 from openai import AsyncAzureOpenAI
@@ -18,7 +19,8 @@ This sample demonstrates working with pre-existing Azure OpenAI Assistants
 using existing assistant IDs rather than creating new ones.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_assistants_with_explicit_settings.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIAssistantsClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure OpenAI Assistants with Explicit Settings Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates creating Azure OpenAI Assistants with explicit configur
 settings rather than relying on environment variable defaults.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_assistants_with_function_tools.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIAssistantsClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -17,7 +18,8 @@ This sample demonstrates function tool integration with Azure OpenAI Assistants,
 showing both agent-level and query-level tool configuration patterns.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -25,7 +27,7 @@ def get_weather(
     conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "rainy", "stormy"]
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[randint(0, 3)]} with a high of {randint(10, 30)}°C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""
     current_time = datetime.now(timezone.utc)

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_assistants_with_thread.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import AgentThread, ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIAssistantsClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates thread management with Azure OpenAI Assistants, compari
 automatic thread creation with explicit thread management for persistent context.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_chat_client_basic.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure OpenAI Chat Client Basic Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates basic usage of AzureOpenAIChatClient for direct chat-ba
 interactions, showing both streaming and non-streaming responses.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_chat_client_with_explicit_settings.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure OpenAI Chat Client with Explicit Settings Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates creating Azure OpenAI Chat Client with explicit configu
 settings rather than relying on environment variable defaults.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_chat_client_with_function_tools.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -17,7 +18,8 @@ This sample demonstrates function tool integration with Azure OpenAI Chat Client
 showing both agent-level and query-level tool configuration patterns.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -25,7 +27,7 @@ def get_weather(
     conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "rainy", "stormy"]
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[randint(0, 3)]} with a high of {randint(10, 30)}°C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""
     current_time = datetime.now(timezone.utc)

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_chat_client_with_thread.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import AgentThread, ChatAgent, ChatMessageStore
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates thread management with Azure OpenAI Chat Client, compar
 automatic thread creation with explicit thread management for persistent context.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_responses_client_basic.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIResponsesClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure OpenAI Responses Client Basic Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates basic usage of AzureOpenAIResponsesClient for structure
 response generation, showing both streaming and non-streaming responses.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_responses_client_with_explicit_settings.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIResponsesClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure OpenAI Responses Client with Explicit Settings Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates creating Azure OpenAI Responses Client with explicit co
 settings rather than relying on environment variable defaults.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_responses_client_with_function_tools.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIResponsesClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -17,7 +18,8 @@ This sample demonstrates function tool integration with Azure OpenAI Responses C
 showing both agent-level and query-level tool configuration patterns.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -25,7 +27,7 @@ def get_weather(
     conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "rainy", "stormy"]
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[randint(0, 3)]} with a high of {randint(10, 30)}°C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""
     current_time = datetime.now(timezone.utc)

python/samples/getting_started/agents/azure_openai/azure_responses_client_with_thread.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import AgentThread, ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIResponsesClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates thread management with Azure OpenAI Responses Client, c
 automatic thread creation with explicit thread management for persistent context.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/custom/custom_agent.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     ChatMessage,
     Role,
     TextContent,
+    tool,
 )
 
 """

python/samples/getting_started/agents/custom/custom_chat_client.py

@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     TextContent,
     use_chat_middleware,
     use_function_invocation,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework._clients import TOptions_co
 

python/samples/getting_started/agents/github_copilot/github_copilot_basic.py

@@ -19,8 +19,10 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.github import GithubCopilotAgent, GithubCopilotOptions
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/github_copilot/github_copilot_with_session.py

@@ -14,8 +14,10 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.github import GithubCopilotAgent, GithubCopilotOptions
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/ollama/ollama_agent_basic.py

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import asyncio
 from datetime import datetime
 
 from agent_framework.ollama import OllamaChatClient
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Ollama Agent Basic Example
@@ -17,7 +18,8 @@ https://ollama.com/
 
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time(location: str) -> str:
     """Get the current time."""
     return f"The current time in {location} is {datetime.now().strftime('%I:%M %p')}."

python/samples/getting_started/agents/ollama/ollama_chat_client.py

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import asyncio
 from datetime import datetime
 
 from agent_framework.ollama import OllamaChatClient
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Ollama Chat Client Example
@@ -17,7 +18,8 @@ https://ollama.com/
 
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time():
     """Get the current time."""
     return f"The current time is {datetime.now().strftime('%I:%M %p')}."

python/samples/getting_started/agents/ollama/ollama_with_openai_chat_client.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Ollama with OpenAI Chat Client Example
@@ -19,7 +20,8 @@ Environment Variables:
 - OLLAMA_MODEL: The model name to use (e.g., "mistral", "llama3.2", "phi3")
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, "The location to get the weather for."],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_assistants_basic.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIAssistantProvider
 from openai import AsyncOpenAI
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Assistants Basic Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates basic usage of OpenAIAssistantProvider with automatic
 assistant lifecycle management, showing both streaming and non-streaming responses.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_assistants_provider_methods.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIAssistantProvider
 from openai import AsyncOpenAI
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Assistant Provider Methods Example
@@ -18,7 +19,8 @@ This sample demonstrates the methods available on the OpenAIAssistantProvider cl
 - as_agent(): Wrap an SDK Assistant object without making HTTP calls
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_assistants_with_existing_assistant.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIAssistantProvider
 from openai import AsyncOpenAI
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Assistants with Existing Assistant Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates working with pre-existing OpenAI Assistants
 using the provider's get_agent() and as_agent() methods.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_assistants_with_explicit_settings.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIAssistantProvider
 from openai import AsyncOpenAI
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Assistants with Explicit Settings Example
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates creating OpenAI Assistants with explicit configuration
 settings rather than relying on environment variable defaults.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_assistants_with_function_tools.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIAssistantProvider
 from openai import AsyncOpenAI
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Assistants with Function Tools Example
@@ -17,7 +18,8 @@ This sample demonstrates function tool integration with OpenAI Assistants,
 showing both agent-level and query-level tool configuration patterns.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -25,7 +27,7 @@ def get_weather(
     conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "rainy", "stormy"]
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[randint(0, 3)]} with a high of {randint(10, 30)}C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""
     current_time = datetime.now(timezone.utc)

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_assistants_with_thread.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import AgentThread
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIAssistantProvider
 from openai import AsyncOpenAI
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -17,7 +18,8 @@ This sample demonstrates thread management with OpenAI Assistants, showing
 persistent conversation threads and context preservation across interactions.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_chat_client_basic.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Chat Client Basic Example
@@ -13,7 +14,8 @@ This sample demonstrates basic usage of OpenAIChatClient for direct chat-based
 interactions, showing both streaming and non-streaming responses.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, "The location to get the weather for."],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_chat_client_with_explicit_settings.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Chat Client with Explicit Settings Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates creating OpenAI Chat Client with explicit configuration
 settings rather than relying on environment variable defaults.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_chat_client_with_function_tools.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 from pydantic import Field
 
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates function tool integration with OpenAI Chat Client,
 showing both agent-level and query-level tool configuration patterns.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -24,7 +26,7 @@ def get_weather(
     conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "rainy", "stormy"]
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[randint(0, 3)]} with a high of {randint(10, 30)}°C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""
     current_time = datetime.now(timezone.utc)

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_chat_client_with_thread.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import AgentThread, ChatAgent, ChatMessageStore
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 from pydantic import Field
 
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates thread management with OpenAI Chat Client, showing
 conversation threads and message history preservation across interactions.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_responses_client_basic.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from pydantic import Field
 
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates basic usage of OpenAIResponsesClient for structured
 response generation, showing both streaming and non-streaming responses.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_responses_client_with_code_interpreter.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     CodeInterpreterToolResultContent,
     HostedCodeInterpreterTool,
     TextContent,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_responses_client_with_explicit_settings.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Responses Client with Explicit Settings Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates creating OpenAI Responses Client with explicit configur
 settings rather than relying on environment variable defaults.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_responses_client_with_function_tools.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from pydantic import Field
 
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample demonstrates function tool integration with OpenAI Responses Client,
 showing both agent-level and query-level tool configuration patterns.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -24,7 +26,7 @@ def get_weather(
     conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "rainy", "stormy"]
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[randint(0, 3)]} with a high of {randint(10, 30)}°C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time() -> str:
     """Get the current UTC time."""
     current_time = datetime.now(timezone.utc)

python/samples/getting_started/agents/openai/openai_responses_client_with_thread.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import AgentThread, ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from pydantic import Field
 
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ This sample demonstrates thread management with OpenAI Responses Client, showing
 persistent conversation context and simplified response handling.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/azure_functions/02_multi_agent/function_app.py

@@ -13,10 +13,12 @@ from typing import Any
 
 from agent_framework.azure import AgentFunctionApp, AzureOpenAIChatClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(location: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
     """Get current weather for a location."""
 
@@ -30,7 +32,7 @@ def get_weather(location: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
     logger.info(f"✓ [TOOL RESULT] {result}")
     return result
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def calculate_tip(bill_amount: float, tip_percentage: float = 15.0) -> dict[str, Any]:
     """Calculate tip amount and total bill."""
 

python/samples/getting_started/chat_client/azure_ai_chat_client.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure AI Chat Client Direct Usage Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ Demonstrates direct AzureAIChatClient usage for chat interactions with Azure AI
 Shows function calling capabilities with custom business logic.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/chat_client/azure_assistants_client.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIAssistantsClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure Assistants Client Direct Usage Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ Demonstrates direct AzureAssistantsClient usage for chat interactions with Azure
 Shows function calling capabilities and automatic assistant creation.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/chat_client/azure_chat_client.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 Azure Chat Client Direct Usage Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ Demonstrates direct AzureChatClient usage for chat interactions with Azure OpenA
 Shows function calling capabilities with custom business logic.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/chat_client/azure_responses_client.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatResponse
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIResponsesClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ Demonstrates direct AzureResponsesClient usage for structured response generatio
 Shows function calling capabilities with custom business logic.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/chat_client/openai_assistants_client.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIAssistantsClient
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Assistants Client Direct Usage Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ Shows function calling capabilities and automatic assistant creation.
 
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/chat_client/openai_chat_client.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Chat Client Direct Usage Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ Shows function calling capabilities with custom business logic.
 
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/chat_client/openai_responses_client.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 OpenAI Responses Client Direct Usage Example
@@ -15,7 +16,8 @@ Shows function calling capabilities with custom business logic.
 
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/context_providers/mem0/mem0_basic.py

@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@ import uuid
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from agent_framework.mem0 import Mem0Provider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
+from agent_framework import tool
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def retrieve_company_report(company_code: str, detailed: bool) -> str:
     if company_code != "CNTS":
         raise ValueError("Company code not found")

python/samples/getting_started/context_providers/mem0/mem0_oss.py

@@ -7,8 +7,10 @@ from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from agent_framework.mem0 import Mem0Provider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from mem0 import AsyncMemory
+from agent_framework import tool
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def retrieve_company_report(company_code: str, detailed: bool) -> str:
     if company_code != "CNTS":
         raise ValueError("Company code not found")

python/samples/getting_started/context_providers/mem0/mem0_threads.py

@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@ import uuid
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from agent_framework.mem0 import Mem0Provider
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
+from agent_framework import tool
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_user_preferences(user_id: str) -> str:
     """Mock function to get user preferences."""
     preferences = {

python/samples/getting_started/context_providers/redis/redis_basics.py

@@ -31,12 +31,14 @@ import asyncio
 import os
 
 from agent_framework import ChatMessage, Role
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 from agent_framework_redis._provider import RedisProvider
 from redisvl.extensions.cache.embeddings import EmbeddingsCache
 from redisvl.utils.vectorize import OpenAITextVectorizer
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def search_flights(origin_airport_code: str, destination_airport_code: str, detailed: bool = False) -> str:
     """Simulated flight-search tool to demonstrate tool memory.
 

python/samples/getting_started/devui/azure_responses_agent/agent.py

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ import logging
 import os
 from typing import Annotated
 
-from agent_framework import ChatAgent, ai_function
+from agent_framework import ChatAgent, tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIResponsesClient
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
@@ -50,7 +50,8 @@ def analyze_content(
     return f"Analyzing content for: {query}"
 
 
-@ai_function
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def summarize_document(
     length: Annotated[str, "Desired summary length: 'brief', 'medium', or 'detailed'"] = "medium",
 ) -> str:
@@ -58,7 +59,7 @@ def summarize_document(
     return f"Generating {length} summary of the document..."
 
 
-@ai_function
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def extract_key_points(
     max_points: Annotated[int, "Maximum number of key points to extract"] = 5,
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/devui/fanout_workflow/workflow.py

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     WorkflowBuilder,
     WorkflowContext,
     handler,
+    tool,
 )
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
 from typing_extensions import Never

python/samples/getting_started/devui/foundry_agent/agent.py

@@ -9,11 +9,13 @@ import os
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -22,7 +24,7 @@ def get_weather(
     temperature = 22
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[0]} with a high of {temperature}°C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_forecast(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the forecast for.")],
     days: Annotated[int, Field(description="Number of days for forecast")] = 3,

python/samples/getting_started/devui/in_memory_mode.py

@@ -11,12 +11,16 @@ import os
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent, Executor, WorkflowBuilder, WorkflowContext, handler
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 from agent_framework.devui import serve
 from typing_extensions import Never
 
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 # Tool functions for the agent
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, "The location to get the weather for."],
 ) -> str:
@@ -25,7 +29,7 @@ def get_weather(
     temperature = 53
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[0]} with a high of {temperature}°C."
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_time(
     timezone: Annotated[str, "The timezone to get time for."] = "UTC",
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/devui/spam_workflow/workflow.py

@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     WorkflowContext,
     handler,
     response_handler,
+    tool,
 )
 from pydantic import BaseModel, Field
 from typing_extensions import Never

python/samples/getting_started/devui/weather_agent_azure/agent.py

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     FunctionInvocationContext,
     Role,
     TextContent,
-    ai_function,
+    tool,
     chat_middleware,
     function_middleware,
 )
@@ -98,6 +98,8 @@ async def atlantis_location_filter_middleware(
     await next(context)
 
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, "The location to get the weather for."],
 ) -> str:
@@ -107,6 +109,7 @@ def get_weather(
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[0]} with a high of {temperature}°C."
 
 
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_forecast(
     location: Annotated[str, "The location to get the forecast for."],
     days: Annotated[int, "Number of days for forecast"] = 3,
@@ -123,7 +126,7 @@ def get_forecast(
     return f"Weather forecast for {location}:\n" + "\n".join(forecast)
 
 
-@ai_function(approval_mode="always_require")
+@tool(approval_mode="always_require")
 def send_email(
     recipient: Annotated[str, "The email address of the recipient."],
     subject: Annotated[str, "The subject of the email."],

python/samples/getting_started/mcp/agent_as_mcp_server.py

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ from typing import Annotated, Any
 
 import anyio
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 This sample demonstrates how to expose an Agent as an MCP server.
@@ -30,7 +31,8 @@ with the following configuration:
 ```
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_specials() -> Annotated[str, "Returns the specials from the menu."]:
     return """
         Special Soup: Clam Chowder
@@ -38,7 +40,7 @@ def get_specials() -> Annotated[str, "Returns the specials from the menu."]:
         Special Drink: Chai Tea
         """
 
-
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_item_price(
     menu_item: Annotated[str, "The name of the menu item."],
 ) -> Annotated[str, "Returns the price of the menu item."]:

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/agent_and_run_level_middleware.py

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     AgentResponse,
     AgentRunContext,
     FunctionInvocationContext,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -33,6 +34,8 @@ The example shows:
 Execution order: Agent middleware (outermost) -> Run middleware (innermost) -> Agent execution
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/chat_middleware.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     ChatResponse,
     Role,
     chat_middleware,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -35,6 +36,8 @@ The example covers:
 - Middleware registration at run level (applies to specific run only)
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/class_based_middleware.py

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     FunctionInvocationContext,
     FunctionMiddleware,
     Role,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -33,6 +34,8 @@ This approach is useful when you need stateful middleware or complex logic that
 from object-oriented design patterns.
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/decorator_middleware.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ import datetime
 from agent_framework import (
     agent_middleware,
     function_middleware,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -40,6 +41,8 @@ Key benefits of decorator approach:
 - Prevents type mismatches
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_current_time() -> str:
     """Get the current time."""

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/exception_handling_with_middleware.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from collections.abc import Awaitable, Callable
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import FunctionInvocationContext
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
 from pydantic import Field
@@ -23,7 +24,8 @@ The middleware catches TimeoutError from an unstable data service and replaces i
 a helpful message for the user, preventing raw exceptions from reaching the end user.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def unstable_data_service(
     query: Annotated[str, Field(description="The data query to execute.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/function_based_middleware.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework import (
     AgentRunContext,
     FunctionInvocationContext,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -29,6 +30,8 @@ lightweight approach compared to class-based middleware. Both agent and function
 can be implemented as async functions that accept context and next parameters.
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/middleware_termination.py

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     AgentRunContext,
     ChatMessage,
     Role,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -28,6 +29,8 @@ The example includes:
 This is useful for implementing security checks, rate limiting, or early exit conditions.
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/override_result_with_middleware.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     ChatMessage,
     Role,
     TextContent,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -34,6 +35,8 @@ then replaces its result with a custom "perfect weather" message. For streaming
 it creates a custom async generator that yields the override message in chunks.
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/runtime_context_delegation.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import asyncio
 from collections.abc import Awaitable, Callable
 from typing import Annotated
 
-from agent_framework import FunctionInvocationContext, ai_function, function_middleware
+from agent_framework import FunctionInvocationContext, tool, function_middleware
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 from pydantic import Field
 
@@ -81,7 +81,8 @@ class SessionContextContainer:
 runtime_context = SessionContextContainer()
 
 
-@ai_function
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def send_email(
     to: Annotated[str, Field(description="Recipient email address")],
     subject: Annotated[str, Field(description="Email subject line")],
@@ -112,7 +113,7 @@ async def send_email(
     return f"Email sent to {to} from user {user_id} (tenant: {tenant}). Subject: '{subject}'"
 
 
-@ai_function
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def send_notification(
     message: Annotated[str, Field(description="Notification message to send")],
     priority: Annotated[str, Field(description="Priority level: low, medium, high")] = "medium",
@@ -241,7 +242,7 @@ async def pattern_1_single_agent_with_closure() -> None:
 
 
 # Create tools for sub-agents (these will use kwargs propagation)
-@ai_function
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def send_email_v2(
     to: Annotated[str, Field(description="Recipient email")],
     subject: Annotated[str, Field(description="Subject")],
@@ -253,7 +254,7 @@ async def send_email_v2(
     return f"Email sent to {to} with subject '{subject}'"
 
 
-@ai_function
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def send_sms(
     phone: Annotated[str, Field(description="Phone number")],
     message: Annotated[str, Field(description="SMS message")],
@@ -377,7 +378,7 @@ class AuthContextMiddleware:
         await next(context)
 
 
-@ai_function
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def protected_operation(operation: Annotated[str, Field(description="Operation to perform")]) -> str:
     """Protected operation that requires authentication."""
     return f"Executed protected operation: {operation}"

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/shared_state_middleware.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import (
     FunctionInvocationContext,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIAgentClient
 from azure.identity.aio import AzureCliCredential
@@ -25,6 +26,8 @@ The example includes:
 This approach shows how middleware can work together by sharing state within the same class instance.
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
@@ -33,6 +36,7 @@ def get_weather(
     conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "rainy", "stormy"]
     return f"The weather in {location} is {conditions[randint(0, 3)]} with a high of {randint(10, 30)}°C."
 
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_time(
     timezone: Annotated[str, Field(description="The timezone to get the time for.")] = "UTC",

python/samples/getting_started/middleware/thread_behavior_middleware.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 from agent_framework import (
     AgentRunContext,
     ChatMessageStore,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 from azure.identity import AzureCliCredential
@@ -30,6 +31,8 @@ Key behaviors demonstrated:
 4. After next(): thread contains full conversation history (all previous + current messages)
 """
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],

python/samples/getting_started/minimal_sample.py

@@ -5,8 +5,10 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
+from agent_framework import tool
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, "The location to get the weather for."],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/observability/advanced_manual_setup_console_output.py

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ from opentelemetry.sdk.trace.export import BatchSpanProcessor, ConsoleSpanExport
 from opentelemetry.semconv._incubating.attributes.service_attributes import SERVICE_NAME
 from opentelemetry.trace import set_tracer_provider
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 This sample shows how to manually configure to send traces, logs, and metrics to the console,
@@ -64,7 +65,8 @@ def setup_metrics():
     # Sets the global default meter provider
     set_meter_provider(meter_provider)
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/observability/advanced_zero_code.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from opentelemetry.trace import SpanKind
 from opentelemetry.trace.span import format_trace_id
 from pydantic import Field
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from agent_framework import ChatClientProtocol
@@ -38,7 +39,8 @@ You can also set the environment variables instead of passing them as CLI argume
 
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/observability/agent_observability.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from random import randint
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.observability import configure_otel_providers, get_tracer
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIChatClient
 from opentelemetry.trace import SpanKind
@@ -16,7 +17,8 @@ This sample shows how you can observe an agent in Agent Framework by using the
 same observability setup function.
 """
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/observability/agent_with_foundry_tracing.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 import dotenv
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.observability import create_resource, enable_instrumentation, get_tracer
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from azure.ai.projects.aio import AIProjectClient
@@ -31,7 +32,8 @@ dotenv.load_dotenv()
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/observability/azure_ai_agent_observability.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 import dotenv
 from agent_framework import ChatAgent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureAIClient
 from agent_framework.observability import get_tracer
 from azure.ai.projects.aio import AIProjectClient
@@ -28,7 +29,8 @@ for this sample to work.
 # For loading the `AZURE_AI_PROJECT_ENDPOINT` environment variable
 dotenv.load_dotenv()
 
-
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/observability/configure_otel_providers_with_env_var.py

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from contextlib import suppress
 from random import randint
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Annotated, Literal
 
-from agent_framework import ai_function
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.observability import configure_otel_providers, get_tracer
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from opentelemetry import trace
@@ -28,9 +28,11 @@ output traces, logs, and metrics to the console.
 """
 
 # Define the scenarios that can be run to show the telemetry data collected by the SDK
-SCENARIOS = ["chat_client", "chat_client_stream", "ai_function", "all"]
+SCENARIOS = ["chat_client", "chat_client_stream", "tool", "all"]
 
 
+# NOTE: approval_mode="never_require" is for sample brevity. Use "always_require" in production; see samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py and samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py.
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 async def get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
 ) -> str:
@@ -78,7 +80,7 @@ async def run_chat_client(client: "ChatClientProtocol", stream: bool = False) ->
             print(f"Assistant: {response}")
 
 
-async def run_ai_function() -> None:
+async def run_tool() -> None:
     """Run a AI function.
 
     This function runs a AI function and prints the output.
@@ -90,12 +92,12 @@ async def run_ai_function() -> None:
     """
     with get_tracer().start_as_current_span("Scenario: AI Function", kind=trace.SpanKind.CLIENT):
         print("Running scenario: AI Function")
-        func = ai_function(get_weather)
+        func = tool(get_weather)
         weather = await func.invoke(location="Amsterdam")
         print(f"Weather in Amsterdam:\n{weather}")
 
 
-async def main(scenario: Literal["chat_client", "chat_client_stream", "ai_function", "all"] = "all"):
+async def main(scenario: Literal["chat_client", "chat_client_stream", "tool", "all"] = "all"):
     """Run the selected scenario(s)."""
 
     # This will enable tracing and create the necessary tracing, logging and metrics providers
@@ -108,9 +110,9 @@ async def main(scenario: Literal["chat_client", "chat_client_stream", "ai_functi
         client = OpenAIResponsesClient()
 
         # Scenarios where telemetry is collected in the SDK, from the most basic to the most complex.
-        if scenario == "ai_function" or scenario == "all":
+        if scenario == "tool" or scenario == "all":
             with suppress(Exception):
-                await run_ai_function()
+                await run_tool()
         if scenario == "chat_client_stream" or scenario == "all":
             with suppress(Exception):
                 await run_chat_client(client, stream=True)