When you start Minecraft you will need specific tools so you can do tasks easier. Tools can help you a lot and will be better than using your fist.
The shovel is mainly used for mining dirt. You can make it from wood, stone, iron, gold, and diamond.
The axe is mainly used for mining wood. You can make it by using wood, stone, iron, gold, and diamond.
The pickaxe is mainly used for mining stone and ores. You can make it out of wood, stone, iron, gold, and diamond.
The sword is mainly used for fighting mods and if your on a pvp server, other players. You can make it by using stone, iron, gold, and diamond.
The hoe is used mainly for farming. You can make it by using wood, stone, iron, gold, and diamond.
The bow and arrow is used for shooting mods and others players from a long distance. You cannot make this out of wood, stone, iron, gold, or diamond, the only thing you would need is 3 sticks and 3 string.