Glossary
AI agent
Definition
An AI agent is software that uses a language model to decide on a sequence of steps and carry them out by calling tools, such as searching, updating records or running code, to reach a goal.
Why it matters when you’re buying
Agents can take routine work off people, but they act with real permissions. Treat each one like a new kind of user: its own identity, narrow access, a log of every action and approval for anything costly or hard to undo.
How it relates to other terms
Agentic AI is the wider approach agents belong to. The Model Context Protocol is a common way to connect agents to tools, and human-in-the-loop checkpoints keep people in charge of risky steps.
Where to go next
- AI Agents & Automation: news, companies and community questions
- How to evaluate AI Agents & Automation vendors: criteria, questions to ask and red flags
- AI agents: the latest stories and threads on this topic
Written by Techarda editors · Updated . Think a definition is wrong or missing something? Email engage@techarda.com. All terms.