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/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)

python/samples/getting_started/observability/configure_otel_providers_with_parameters.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, setup_logging
+from agent_framework import tool, setup_logging
 from agent_framework.observability import configure_otel_providers, get_tracer
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from opentelemetry import trace
@@ -28,9 +28,11 @@ Use this approach when you need custom exporter configuration beyond what enviro
 """
 
 # 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)."""
 
     # Setup the logging with the more complete format
@@ -137,9 +139,9 @@ 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)

python/samples/getting_started/observability/workflow_observability.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from agent_framework import (
     WorkflowContext,
     WorkflowOutputEvent,
     handler,
+    tool,
 )
 from agent_framework.observability import configure_otel_providers, get_tracer
 from opentelemetry.trace import SpanKind

python/samples/getting_started/tools/README.md

@@ -1,25 +1,29 @@
 # Tools Examples
 
-This folder contains examples demonstrating how to use AI functions (tools) with the Agent Framework. AI functions allow agents to interact with external systems, perform computations, and execute custom logic.
+This folder contains examples demonstrating how to use local tools with the Agent Framework. Local tools allow agents to interact with external systems, perform computations, and execute custom logic.
+
+Note: Several examples set `approval_mode="never_require"` to keep the samples concise. For production scenarios,
+keep `approval_mode="always_require"` unless you are confident in the tool behavior and approval flow. See
+`function_tool_with_approval.py` and `function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py` for end-to-end approval handling.
 
 ## Examples
 
 | File | Description |
 |------|-------------|
-| [`ai_function_declaration_only.py`](ai_function_declaration_only.py) | Demonstrates how to create function declarations without implementations. Useful for testing agent reasoning about tool usage or when tools are defined elsewhere. Shows how agents request tool calls even when the tool won't be executed. |
-| [`ai_function_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py`](ai_function_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py) | Shows how to create AI functions from dictionary definitions using dependency injection. The function implementation is injected at runtime during deserialization, enabling dynamic tool creation and configuration. Note: This serialization/deserialization feature is in active development. |
-| [`ai_function_recover_from_failures.py`](ai_function_recover_from_failures.py) | Demonstrates graceful error handling when tools raise exceptions. Shows how agents receive error information and can recover from failures, deciding whether to retry or respond differently based on the exception. |
-| [`ai_function_with_approval.py`](ai_function_with_approval.py) | Shows how to implement user approval workflows for function calls without using threads. Demonstrates both streaming and non-streaming approval patterns where users can approve or reject function executions before they run. |
-| [`ai_function_with_approval_and_threads.py`](ai_function_with_approval_and_threads.py) | Demonstrates tool approval workflows using threads for automatic conversation history management. Shows how threads simplify approval workflows by automatically storing and retrieving conversation context. Includes both approval and rejection examples. |
-| [`ai_function_with_kwargs.py`](ai_function_with_kwargs.py) | Demonstrates how to inject custom arguments (context) into an AI function from the agent's run method. Useful for passing runtime information like access tokens or user IDs that the tool needs but the model shouldn't see. |
-| [`ai_function_with_thread_injection.py`](ai_function_with_thread_injection.py) | Shows how to access the current `thread` object inside an AI function via `**kwargs`. |
-| [`ai_function_with_max_exceptions.py`](ai_function_with_max_exceptions.py) | Shows how to limit the number of times a tool can fail with exceptions using `max_invocation_exceptions`. Useful for preventing expensive tools from being called repeatedly when they keep failing. |
-| [`ai_function_with_max_invocations.py`](ai_function_with_max_invocations.py) | Demonstrates limiting the total number of times a tool can be invoked using `max_invocations`. Useful for rate-limiting expensive operations or ensuring tools are only called a specific number of times per conversation. |
-| [`ai_functions_in_class.py`](ai_functions_in_class.py) | Shows how to use `ai_function` decorator with class methods to create stateful tools. Demonstrates how class state can control tool behavior dynamically, allowing you to adjust tool functionality at runtime by modifying class properties. |
+| [`function_tool_declaration_only.py`](function_tool_declaration_only.py) | Demonstrates how to create function declarations without implementations. Useful for testing agent reasoning about tool usage or when tools are defined elsewhere. Shows how agents request tool calls even when the tool won't be executed. |
+| [`function_tool_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py`](function_tool_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py) | Shows how to create local tools from dictionary definitions using dependency injection. The function implementation is injected at runtime during deserialization, enabling dynamic tool creation and configuration. Note: This serialization/deserialization feature is in active development. |
+| [`function_tool_recover_from_failures.py`](function_tool_recover_from_failures.py) | Demonstrates graceful error handling when tools raise exceptions. Shows how agents receive error information and can recover from failures, deciding whether to retry or respond differently based on the exception. |
+| [`function_tool_with_approval.py`](function_tool_with_approval.py) | Shows how to implement user approval workflows for function calls without using threads. Demonstrates both streaming and non-streaming approval patterns where users can approve or reject function executions before they run. |
+| [`function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py`](function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py) | Demonstrates tool approval workflows using threads for automatic conversation history management. Shows how threads simplify approval workflows by automatically storing and retrieving conversation context. Includes both approval and rejection examples. |
+| [`function_tool_with_kwargs.py`](function_tool_with_kwargs.py) | Demonstrates how to inject custom arguments (context) into a local tool from the agent's run method. Useful for passing runtime information like access tokens or user IDs that the tool needs but the model shouldn't see. |
+| [`function_tool_with_thread_injection.py`](function_tool_with_thread_injection.py) | Shows how to access the current `thread` object inside a local tool via `**kwargs`. |
+| [`function_tool_with_max_exceptions.py`](function_tool_with_max_exceptions.py) | Shows how to limit the number of times a tool can fail with exceptions using `max_invocation_exceptions`. Useful for preventing expensive tools from being called repeatedly when they keep failing. |
+| [`function_tool_with_max_invocations.py`](function_tool_with_max_invocations.py) | Demonstrates limiting the total number of times a tool can be invoked using `max_invocations`. Useful for rate-limiting expensive operations or ensuring tools are only called a specific number of times per conversation. |
+| [`tool_in_class.py`](tool_in_class.py) | Shows how to use the `tool` decorator with class methods to create stateful tools. Demonstrates how class state can control tool behavior dynamically, allowing you to adjust tool functionality at runtime by modifying class properties. |
 
 ## Key Concepts
 
-### AI Function Features
+### Local Tool Features
 
 - **Function Declarations**: Define tool schemas without implementations for testing or external tools
 - **Dependency Injection**: Create tools from configurations with runtime-injected implementations
@@ -33,10 +37,10 @@ This folder contains examples demonstrating how to use AI functions (tools) with
 #### Basic Tool Definition
 
 ```python
-from agent_framework import ai_function
+from agent_framework import tool
 from typing import Annotated
 
-@ai_function
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def my_tool(param: Annotated[str, "Description"]) -> str:
     """Tool description for the AI."""
     return f"Result: {param}"
@@ -45,7 +49,7 @@ def my_tool(param: Annotated[str, "Description"]) -> str:
 #### Tool with Approval
 
 ```python
-@ai_function(approval_mode="always_require")
+@tool(approval_mode="always_require")
 def sensitive_operation(data: Annotated[str, "Data to process"]) -> str:
     """This requires user approval before execution."""
     return f"Processed: {data}"
@@ -54,12 +58,12 @@ def sensitive_operation(data: Annotated[str, "Data to process"]) -> str:
 #### Tool with Invocation Limits
 
 ```python
-@ai_function(max_invocations=3)
+@tool(max_invocations=3)
 def limited_tool() -> str:
     """Can only be called 3 times total."""
     return "Result"
 
-@ai_function(max_invocation_exceptions=2)
+@tool(max_invocation_exceptions=2)
 def fragile_tool() -> str:
     """Can only fail 2 times before being disabled."""
     return "Result"
@@ -115,7 +119,7 @@ Two approaches for handling approvals:
 Each example is a standalone Python script that can be run directly:
 
 ```bash
-uv run python ai_function_with_approval.py
+uv run python function_tool_with_approval.py
 ```
 
 Make sure you have the necessary environment variables configured (like `OPENAI_API_KEY` or Azure credentials) before running the examples.

python/samples/getting_started/tools/function_invocation_configuration.py

@@ -4,15 +4,17 @@ import asyncio
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
+from agent_framework import tool
 
 """
 This sample demonstrates how to configure function invocation settings
-for an client and use a simple ai_function as a tool in an agent.
+for an client and use a simple tool as a tool in an agent.
 
 This behavior is the same for all chat client types.
 """
 
-
+# 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 add(
     x: Annotated[int, "First number"],
     y: Annotated[int, "Second number"],

python/samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_declaration_only.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Copyright (c) Microsoft. All rights reserved.
 
-from agent_framework import AIFunction
+from agent_framework import FunctionTool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 
 """
@@ -8,13 +8,13 @@ Example of how to create a function that only consists of a declaration without
 This is useful when you want the agent to use tools that are defined elsewhere or when you want
 to test the agent's ability to reason about tool usage without executing them.
 
-The only difference is that you provide an AIFunction without a function.
+The only difference is that you provide a FunctionTool without a function.
 If you need a input_model, you can still provide that as well.
 """
 
 
 async def main():
-    function_declaration = AIFunction[None, None](
+    function_declaration = FunctionTool(
         name="get_current_time",
         description="Get the current time in ISO 8601 format.",
     )

python/samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_from_dict_with_dependency_injection.py

@@ -1,31 +1,31 @@
 # Copyright (c) Microsoft. All rights reserved.
 # type: ignore
 """
-AIFunction Tool with Dependency Injection Example
+Local Tool with Dependency Injection Example
 
-This example demonstrates how to create an AIFunction tool using the agent framework's
+This example demonstrates how to create a FunctionTool using the agent framework's
 dependency injection system. Instead of providing the function at initialization time,
 the actual callable function is injected during deserialization from a dictionary definition.
 
 Note:
     The serialization and deserialization feature used in this example is currently
-    in active development. The API may change in future versions as we continue 
+    in active development. The API may change in future versions as we continue
     to improve and extend its functionality. Please refer to the latest documentation
     for any updates to the dependency injection patterns.
 
 Usage:
-    Run this script to see how an AIFunction tool can be created from a dictionary
+    Run this script to see how a FunctionTool can be created from a dictionary
     definition with the function injected at runtime. The agent will use this tool
     to perform arithmetic operations.
 """
 
 import asyncio
 
-from agent_framework import AIFunction
+from agent_framework import FunctionTool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 
 definition = {
-    "type": "ai_function",
+    "type": "function_tool",
     "name": "add_numbers",
     "description": "Add two numbers together.",
     "input_model": {
@@ -47,15 +47,15 @@ async def main() -> None:
         """Add two numbers together."""
         return a + b
 
-    # Create the AIFunction tool using dependency injection
+    # Create the FunctionTool using dependency injection
     # The 'definition' dictionary contains the serialized tool configuration,
     # while the actual function implementation is provided via dependencies.
     #
-    # Dependency structure: {"ai_function": {"name:add_numbers": {"func": func}}}
-    # - "ai_function": matches the tool type identifier
+    # Dependency structure: {"function_tool": {"name:add_numbers": {"func": func}}}
+    # - "function_tool": matches the tool type identifier
     # - "name:add_numbers": instance-specific injection targeting tools with name="add_numbers"
     # - "func": the parameter name that will receive the injected function
-    tool = AIFunction.from_dict(definition, dependencies={"ai_function": {"name:add_numbers": {"func": func}}})
+    tool = FunctionTool.from_dict(definition, dependencies={"function_tool": {"name:add_numbers": {"func": func}}})
 
     agent = OpenAIResponsesClient().as_agent(
         name="FunctionToolAgent", instructions="You are a helpful assistant.", tools=tool

python/samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_recover_from_failures.py

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import asyncio
 from typing import Annotated
 
 from agent_framework import FunctionCallContent, FunctionResultContent
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 
 """
@@ -13,13 +14,16 @@ Shows how a tool that throws an exception creates gracefull recovery and can kee
 The LLM decides whether to retry the call or to respond with something else, based on the exception.
 """
 
-
+# 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 greet(name: Annotated[str, "Name to greet"]) -> str:
     """Greet someone."""
     return f"Hello, {name}!"
 
 
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 # we trick the AI into calling this function with 0 as denominator to trigger the exception
+@tool(approval_mode="never_require")
 def safe_divide(
     a: Annotated[int, "Numerator"],
     b: Annotated[int, "Denominator"],

python/samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval.py

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import asyncio
 from random import randrange
 from typing import TYPE_CHECKING, Annotated, Any
 
-from agent_framework import AgentResponse, ChatAgent, ChatMessage, ai_function
+from agent_framework import AgentResponse, ChatAgent, ChatMessage, tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
@@ -20,7 +20,8 @@ It shows how to handle function call approvals without using threads.
 conditions = ["sunny", "cloudy", "raining", "snowing", "clear"]
 
 
-@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 get_weather(location: Annotated[str, "The city and state, e.g. San Francisco, CA"]) -> str:
     """Get the current weather for a given location."""
     # Simulate weather data
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ def get_weather(location: Annotated[str, "The city and state, e.g. San Francisco
 
 
 # Define a simple weather tool that requires approval
-@ai_function(approval_mode="always_require")
+@tool(approval_mode="always_require")
 def get_weather_detail(location: Annotated[str, "The city and state, e.g. San Francisco, CA"]) -> str:
     """Get the current weather for a given location."""
     # Simulate weather data

python/samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_approval_and_threads.py

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import asyncio
 from typing import Annotated
 
-from agent_framework import ChatAgent, ChatMessage, ai_function
+from agent_framework import ChatAgent, ChatMessage, tool
 from agent_framework.azure import AzureOpenAIChatClient
 
 """
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ the thread stores and retrieves them automatically.
 """
 
 
-@ai_function(approval_mode="always_require")
+@tool(approval_mode="always_require")
 def add_to_calendar(
     event_name: Annotated[str, "Name of the event"], date: Annotated[str, "Date of the event"]
 ) -> str:

python/samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_kwargs.py

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import asyncio
 from typing import Annotated, Any
 
-from agent_framework import ai_function
+from agent_framework import tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 from pydantic import Field
 
@@ -20,7 +20,8 @@ or provide.
 
 
 # Define the function tool with **kwargs to accept injected arguments
-@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 get_weather(
     location: Annotated[str, Field(description="The location to get the weather for.")],
     **kwargs: Any,

python/samples/getting_started/tools/function_tool_with_max_exceptions.py

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import asyncio
 from typing import Annotated
 
-from agent_framework import FunctionCallContent, FunctionResultContent, ai_function
+from agent_framework import FunctionCallContent, FunctionResultContent, tool
 from agent_framework.openai import OpenAIResponsesClient
 
 """
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ limited number of times.
 
 
 # we trick the AI into calling this function with 0 as denominator to trigger the exception
-@ai_function(max_invocation_exceptions=1)
+@tool(max_invocation_exceptions=1)
 def safe_divide(
     a: Annotated[int, "Numerator"],
     b: Annotated[int, "Denominator"],