A system that takes actions.
THE DEFINITION
A system that performs actions — searching, reading files, calling other software — and uses the results to decide what to do next.
HOW IT DIFFERS FROM A CHAT ASSISTANT
A chat assistant produces a response. An agent works toward a goal over several steps.
WHAT IT ENABLES
Multi-step research Completing a task rather than describing it Interacting with other systems
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT
Errors compound across steps A misinterpreted goal is pursued persistently Actions have consequences that text does not
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE USING ONE
What it may do What requires approval What it may never do How you would know if it went wrong
WHERE THEY WORK WELL
Research with checkable output, and repetitive processes within clear boundaries.
RELATED TERMS
Automation, prompt injection, human oversight.
