How Your Databutton Agent Works

This article gives you intuition about what tools it has, what types of tasks those tools do, and what it means when you prompt the agent. At the end is a full list of tools, if you want the details.

Table of Contents

• What’s an Agent vs Tools?

• Types of Tools

  • Development & Deployment

  • File & Code Management

  • Storage & Data

  • Tasks & Project Management

  • Logs & Research

• How the Agent Works Behind the Scenes

• Extra Abilities

• Full Tool Reference Table

Understanding Your Databutton Agent

Your Databutton Agent is like a smart helper. You ask it to build things, make changes, test, and deploy. Behind the scenes, it has a set of tools to help it do those jobs — so you get things done faster, more reliably, and with fewer surprises.

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What’s an Agent vs Tools?

Term	Think of it like…	In Databutton
Agent	A project manager	You describe what you want. The agent figures out which tools to use.
Tool	A specific instrument in its toolbox	Each tool has one job: edit code, deploy, check logs, etc. The agent picks and uses them automatically.

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Types of Tools

Development & Deployment

These streamline the build lifecycle — from testing code to pushing your app live. Examples: add a library, test an API, deploy your app.

File & Code Management

These let the agent view, edit, search, and organize your codebase. Examples: update a homepage file, find where a feature lives.

Storage & Data

These handle data storage, user uploads, and secure credentials. Examples: save profile pictures, securely store an API key.

Tasks & Project Management

These keep your project organized, transparent, and collaborative. Examples: create a new task, mark one as done, add a note.

Logs & Research

These help with debugging and extending functionality. Examples: check logs for errors, research how to integrate SMS.

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How the Agent Works Behind the Scenes

Here’s the usual flow when you make a request:

1. You give an instruction - e.g. “Add SMS notifications after signup.”

2. Agent plans steps - decides tools it needs (edit files, run tests, connect API).

3. Agent uses tools - edits code, checks logs, stores data.

4. Agent shares results - shows you output, previews, or logs.

5. You review/test - you can clarify or ask for changes.

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Extra Abilities

• Image Analysis - upload screenshots, the agent can read them and suggest changes.

• Quick Python Scripts - test snippets or process data without touching app code.

• Tips & Tricks

  • Use # to reference components, APIs, or pages.

  • Keep conversations short and focused to avoid context loss.

  • Restart threads when beginning a new feature.

• Read-Only Mode - lock stable code areas so the agent can only read, not write.

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Full Tool Reference Table

Below is the complete list of tools the agent has, grouped by category. This is for users who want to dive deeper into what’s possible.

Category	Tool	What It Does	Example Prompt
Development & Deployment	create_or_update_files	Create or edit app files	“Update the login form with password validation.”
	run_python_script	Run small Python code snippets	“Convert this CSV data into JSON.”
	install_packages	Add libraries (pip or npm)	“Install a package for date formatting.”
	deploy_app	Push app live to production	“Deploy my changes now.”
	restore_app	Roll back to earlier commit	“Revert app to yesterday’s version.”
File & Code Management	read_code	View contents of code files	“Show me the signup form code.”
	delete_files	Remove files from project	“Delete unused CSS file.”
	list_files	List project files	“List all backend files.”
	search_code	Find code by keyword	“Search for where emails are sent.”
Storage & Data	run_sql_query	Query dev or prod database	“Get all users who signed up this week.”
	run_migration	Apply schema changes	“Add column ‘phone’ to customers table.”
	get_sql_schema	View DB schema	“Show me the schema for dev DB.”
	get_sql_migrations	List applied migrations	“List all DB migrations.”
	restore_sql_branch	Restore DB from backup	“Restore dev DB from prod.”
	list_storage	Show stored files	“List uploaded files in storage.”
	request_and_store_data	Prompt file upload	“Upload this logo image to storage.”
	request_and_store_secret_value	Save secrets securely	“Store my Stripe API key.”
Tasks & Project Management	create_tasks	Add a new task	“Create a task to redesign homepage.”
	list_tasks	Show tasks by status	“List all open tasks.”
	read_tasks	Show full task details	“Show me details for task 23.”
	update_tasks	Change task details	“Mark signup bug task as done.”
	delete_tasks	Remove a task	“Delete old test task.”
	add_task_history	Comment on task history	“Add note that signup issue is reproduced.”
Logs & Research	read_development_logs	See local dev logs	“Check dev logs for errors.”
	read_production_logs	See live app logs	“Show production errors from last hour.”
	inspect_api	List backend endpoints	“What APIs are available?”
	test_endpoint	Test an API route	“Test the /signup endpoint.”
	do_web_search	Look up info online	“Find best SMS integration libraries.”
	link_reader	Read external docs	“Read this Twilio guide.”
	troubleshoot	Diagnose issues systematically	“Analyze why my form isn’t submitting.”
	visualize_data	Generate charts	“Visualize sales by region.”
	stabilizer	Reset plan if stuck	“Stabilize the approach, suggest fresh steps.”

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Summary

• Your agent = your smart teammate.

• It has a toolbox of features (see categories above).

• You mostly just describe what you want - the agent picks the tools.

• For deeper understanding, the full table shows exactly what’s possible.