# Agent with Long-Running Tools This example demonstrates an agent using a long-running tool (`ask_for_approval`). ## Key Flow for Long-Running Tools 1. **Initial Call**: The agent calls the long-running tool (e.g., `ask_for_approval`). 2. **Initial Tool Response**: The tool immediately returns an initial response, typically indicating a "pending" status and a way to track the request (e.g., a `ticket-id`). This is sent back to the agent as a `types.FunctionResponse` (usually processed internally by the runner and then influencing the agent's next turn). 3. **Agent Acknowledges**: The agent processes this initial response and usually informs the user about the pending status. 4. **External Process/Update**: The long-running task progresses externally (e.g., a human approves the request). 5. **❗️Crucial Step: Provide Updated Tool Response❗️**: * Once the external process completes or updates, your application **must** construct a new `types.FunctionResponse`. * This response should use the **same `id` and `name`** as the original `FunctionCall` to the long-running tool. * The `response` field within this `types.FunctionResponse` should contain the *updated data* (e.g., `{'status': 'approved', ...}`). * Send this `types.FunctionResponse` back to the agent as a part within a new message using `role="user"`. ```python # Example: After external approval updated_tool_output_data = { "status": "approved", "ticket-id": ticket_id, # from original call # ... other relevant updated data } updated_function_response_part = types.Part( function_response=types.FunctionResponse( id=long_running_function_call.id, # Original call ID name=long_running_function_call.name, # Original call name response=updated_tool_output_data, ) ) # Send this back to the agent await runner.run_async( # ... session_id, user_id ... new_message=types.Content( parts=[updated_function_response_part], role="user" ), ) ``` 6. **Agent Acts on Update**: The agent receives this message containing the `types.FunctionResponse` and, based on its instructions, proceeds with the next steps (e.g., calling another tool like `reimburse`). **Why is this important?** The agent relies on receiving this subsequent `types.FunctionResponse` (provided in a message with `role="user"` containing the specific `Part`) to understand that the long-running task has concluded or its state has changed. Without it, the agent will remain unaware of the outcome of the pending task.