AI Glossary
What is AI Agent?
An AI system that can plan and carry out multi-step tasks by itself, using tools such as web search, files, apps or code, rather than only replying to one message at a time.
A regular chatbot answers your message and waits. An agent is given a goal, for example "add pagination to this API and make the tests pass" or "research these three suppliers and make a comparison table", and then takes several steps on its own: reading files, searching, running commands, checking results and trying again.
Examples: coding agents that edit files and run tests in a code repository, and assistants that can browse websites or use connected apps to complete a task.
Benefits: they handle tedious multi-step work and can check their own results, such as running tests.
Cautions:
- They can make many changes quickly, including wrong ones. Review the result.
- Give them only the access they need: a test copy or a separate branch, never production systems or real passwords.
- Keep a person in charge of anything that sends, pays, deletes or publishes.
Developers can learn safe workflows in AI for Developers.