Data → Machine Learning & AI
AI Agent
An AI-powered system that can plan steps, use tools, and act toward a goal within constraints.
Motivation
An AI agent solves the problem of using a model to pursue a goal through steps, tools, memory, and feedback.
Where it fits
It belongs to AI applications and product architecture.
Mental model
The agent loop is observe, decide, act, and evaluate. The model is only one part of the system.
Important details
Agents usually need tool calling, permissions, state management, retries, and guardrails.
Common mistakes
- Assuming autonomy is always desirable.
- Skipping observability and human control.