Glossary
What Is an AI Agent? Definition and Example
An AI agent is an AI system that works toward a goal by planning steps, using tools such as search or files, checking the result and deciding what to do next.
What it means
A chatbot answers when you ask. An automation follows steps you set in advance. An agent chooses its own next step within limits you set. Agents can save time on multi-step tasks, but errors can compound, so they need permissions, approval steps and review.
Example
You ask an agent to research three suppliers, compare prices and draft an email for your approval. It searches, builds the comparison and writes the draft.
Why it matters
Agents are where AI is heading for work tasks, and understanding the difference from chatbots helps you use them safely.
Related terms
- AI Automation: AI automation is a chain where a trigger starts a task, an AI step reads or writes something, and an action.
- Large Language Model (LLM): A large language model, or LLM, is an AI system trained on huge amounts of text to understand and generate.
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG): Retrieval-augmented generation, or RAG, is a method where an AI first retrieves relevant documents and then.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an AI agent and a chatbot?
A chatbot responds. An agent plans and acts toward a goal using tools.
Are AI agents safe?
They can be with limited permissions, approval before actions and review of results.
Do I need to code to use an agent?
Not for many research and task modes in common assistants.