> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.contextual.io/documentation-and-resources/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.contextual.io/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/object-types/object-type-details/actions.md).
# Actions
Actions are configured on [Object Types](/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/object-types.md) and send a data record along to a Contextual [Agent](/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/agents.md) for further processing. Unlike [Triggers](/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/object-types/object-type-details/triggers.md) that happen automatically when a record is added, updated or deleted, Actions are run in one of two ways.
**Manual Action Execution**
Once you've defined an Action on the Object Type, it will show up in the overflow menu alongside every record. In the screenshot below you see an Action named 'Classify Question' that can be executed on a given record.
Actions Appear in the Record Overflow Menu (the 3 dots)
**Automatic Action Execution**
All Actions can also be executed using the Contextual [Tenant API](/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/object-types/records/records-and-your-tenant-api.md). This could be driven by an external system.
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# 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 by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://docs.contextual.io/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/object-types/object-type-details/actions.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
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.
