AI agent
A bounded software system that uses models and tools to pursue a defined task.
Why it matters
Calling a chatbot an agent does not make it reliable. The important design question is what the system may do, what it must show, and when a person should take control.
Use it well
- Give the agent one explicit job and a small tool surface.
- Log actions and tool results for review.
- Design recovery and escalation paths before increasing autonomy.