# Usage and composition


# Call a tool directly

``` python
from serpapi_search_tools import web_search

search = web_search(provider="function")
response = search(query="Python packaging")
print(response)
```

The returned callable has a narrow signature and returns compact Markdown by default. Pass `response_format=SearchResultFormat.JSON` when code needs to parse named fields.


# Add a specialized capability

``` python
from serpapi_search_tools import maps_search, news_search, web_search

tools = [
    web_search(provider="openai-agents"),
    news_search(provider="openai-agents"),
    maps_search(provider="openai-agents"),
]
```

Each constructor creates one tool for your selected SDK. Add them with the same list syntax you use for your own tools.


# Engine choices

Only web and shopping expose engine selection:

``` python
from serpapi_search_tools import shopping_search, web_search

web = web_search(
    provider="langchain",
    allowed_engines=["google_light", "bing"],
    default_engine="google_light",
)
shopping = shopping_search(
    provider="langchain",
    allowed_engines=["google_shopping", "amazon"],
)
```

The generated schema enum contains only the allowed values. Fixed-engine tools have no `engine` field.


# Structured travel calls

``` python
from serpapi_search_tools import flights_search

flights = flights_search(provider="function")
response = flights(
    departure_id="LAX",
    arrival_id="AUS",
    outbound_date="2030-08-01",
)
```

The route and date are passed as clear, named fields. You do not need to build a text query for a flight search.

See [Choose a search tool](search_tools.md), [Recipes](recipes.md), and [Configuration](configuration.md) next.