AI Glossary

Agent

An AI agent is a system that plans and executes multi-step tasks, often using tools, memory, and feedback loops beyond a single prompt-response.

Definition

An AI agent is a system that plans and executes multi-step tasks, often using tools, memory, and feedback loops beyond a single prompt-response.

Plain English explanation

Software that can decide next steps and use tools to finish a job, not only chat once.

Technical explanation

Agents combine planning, tool interfaces, memory, and control loops. Reliability depends on tool sandboxing, evals, and human-in-the-loop design—not anthropomorphic branding.

Why it matters

Agent products promise multi-step work. Buyers need clear boundaries between chatbots, workflows, and autonomous agents.

Real-world applications

  • Multi-step research assistants
  • Ops workflows with tool calls
  • Developer agents under supervision

Benefits

  • Can complete tasks requiring multiple tools
  • Reduces manual glue work when reliable

Limitations

  • Error compounding across steps
  • Security risks from tool access
  • Harder to evaluate than single-turn chat

Common misconceptions

  • Calling something an agent does not make it autonomous or safe
  • Agents still need permissions and audit logs

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Related reports

Latest developments

FAQ

How does Brel tag AI Agents?

When company materials emphasize multi-step tool-using systems beyond a single prompt-response product.

Last reviewed

Sources

  • Survey literature on LLM-based agents (arXiv)

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