A software system that uses an AI model to plan and carry out multi-step tasks, often by calling tools, APIs, or other programs on its own.
An AI agent goes beyond answering a single question. It receives a goal, breaks it into steps, decides which tools to use, observes the results, and adjusts its plan until the task is done or it needs human input. Most modern agents are built around a large language model that acts as the reasoning engine.
For example, a travel-booking agent might search flight APIs, compare prices, check a calendar, and draft a confirmation email. Agents raise practical design questions about reliability, cost, and safety, so many teams add guardrails such as permission checks, spending limits, and human approval for sensitive actions. The field is moving quickly, and terms like agentic AI are often used loosely in marketing.
An AI assistant built into an application that helps a person with tasks as they work, while the person stays in control of decisions.
Agentic AIAI systems designed to pursue goals with some autonomy, planning steps, using tools, and acting on results rather than only answering prompts.
ChatbotA software program that holds a conversation with people through text or voice, answering questions or helping complete simple tasks.
Function CallingA feature that lets a language model request a specific software function, with structured inputs, so an application can take an action or fetch data.
JailbreakBypassing the restrictions on a device or an AI model, either to remove manufacturer limits or to make a model ignore its safety rules.
Multi-Agent SystemA setup in which several AI agents, each with its own role or tools, work together or hand off tasks to reach a shared goal.
Prompt EngineeringThe practice of designing and refining instructions given to AI models to get more accurate, useful, and reliable outputs.
Reinforcement LearningA type of machine learning in which an agent learns by trial and error, receiving rewards or penalties for its actions.
Robotic Process AutomationSoftware bots that mimic human actions on a computer, such as clicking, typing, and copying data, to automate repetitive tasks.
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