Learn · Agents · Guide 01
What is an AI agent?
Understand how an agent turns a goal into steps and uses tools to do the work.
A goal, steps, and tools
An AI agent can choose steps to work towards a goal. It can use available tools, look at the result, and decide what to do next. Its abilities depend on the product, its setup, and the access you give it.
What that looks like
Imagine an agent preparing a meeting brief. It could read the notes you provide, find open questions, and organize a summary. If it has a suitable search tool, it could look for extra information. This is an example, not a tested result.
Agent, skill, or workflow?
An agent chooses how to proceed. A skill gives a supported agent reusable instructions for a task. A workflow follows a defined sequence. Products may combine these approaches, so check what a listing actually offers.
When a simpler tool is enough
For one answer or a short draft, an AI chat may be enough. For fixed steps, a normal automation may be simpler. Consider an agent when useful next steps depend on what it finds.