A system and method for embedding a tool into an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is disclosed. The system includes a special application programming interface (API) that is used to embed any tool into any IDE. The API provides a way for the tool to indicate what functions are supported by the tool. These functions may include save, print, edit and others. The API also provides a mechanism for the IDE to communicate to the tool that one of the supported functions is to be executed. Finally, the API provides a mechanism for the tool to report information to the IDE as necessary.