> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cherryai.com.cn/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cherryai.com.cn/docs/en-us/advanced-basic/extensions.md).

# Extend Agent Capabilities

Agent already has built-in tools such as files, search, images, memory, workflows, scheduled tasks, etc. If you need a fixed way of working, add skills; if you need to connect external systems, add MCP. They solve different problems, so you don't need to install everything just for “more features.”

<figure><img src="/files/9b00652317bad3dcfaeb99d65a0f86a7f0cab964" alt="根据资料、固定方法和外部系统需求选择内置工具、知识库、技能或 MCP 的关系图"><figcaption><p>Prioritize the shortest path; only add MCP when the Agent truly needs to access external systems.</p></figcaption></figure>

## First determine what is needed

| Need                                                                         | Choose               |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- |
| A fixed set of steps, templates, or checklists                               | skills               |
| Query databases, browsers, or third-party systems                            | MCP                  |
| Retrieve its own document materials                                          | Knowledge base       |
| Read and write current project files, generate images, or send notifications | Agent built-in tools |

{% hint style="success" %}
The most convenient way is to directly describe the goal in \[Work], letting the Agent help you determine whether what's missing is a skill, MCP, or knowledge base. When you need to verify sources, connection parameters, or permissions, then go to \[Settings] to manage manually.
{% endhint %}

## The final step after installation

A global installation or successful connection does not mean every Agent can use it. Open \[Work] → Agent menu → \[Edit], and select respectively in \[Skills], \[MCP], or \[Knowledge Base]. Configuration takes effect starting from the next message.

<figure><img src="/files/15188d6f3f58d161ea98bb083b959eb8aa6b83e6" alt="Agent 编辑窗口中的内置工具、知识库、MCP 和技能入口"><figcaption><p>Configure the Agent's built-in tools, knowledge base, MCP, and skills separately, and enable them as needed for the task.</p></figcaption></figure>

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Skills and capability library</strong></td><td>Install and reuse stable workflows</td><td><a href="/pages/10c02d1036d76b0bf689656cd59680bcd1cf9b9e">/pages/10c02d1036d76b0bf689656cd59680bcd1cf9b9e</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>MCP and external tools</strong></td><td>Connect additional tools and data sources</td><td><a href="/pages/01c851a0073fd54250092644124647a20f930e87">/pages/01c851a0073fd54250092644124647a20f930e87</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>MCP troubleshooting</strong></td><td>Locate issues step by step according to the connection chain</td><td><a href="/pages/8408760c885cb97dd463c0db7759edf9fd2f1d56">/pages/8408760c885cb97dd463c0db7759edf9fd2f1d56</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.cherryai.com.cn/docs/en-us/advanced-basic/extensions.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.