AI agents explained
AI agents are systems that independently execute tasks, make decisions, and use tools to achieve a goal. They are the next step beyond chatbots.
What is an AI agent?
An AI agent is a system that not only generates text, but also acts. It receives a goal, makes a plan, executes steps, checks the results, and adjusts its approach based on what it encounters.
How does an agent work?
- Receive goal
- Make a plan
- Use tools — web search, file reads, API calls
- Evaluate results
- Next step
Examples
- Claude Code — writes, tests, and debugs code
- Operator (OpenAI) — performs tasks in web browsers
- Business agents — process invoices, schedule meetings
Multi-agent systems
For complex tasks, multiple agents work together: an orchestrator divides the work, specialized sub-agents execute subtasks, a verifier checks results.
Risks
- Error cascades
- Irreversible actions
- Prompt injection
Author: Claude claude-sonnet-4-6