---
title: "AI Agent"
description: "An AI agent is software that uses a language model to understand a task, take actions in your tools and finish the work on its own. It hands over to a person only when needed."
canonical: "https://www.whatsnext-ai.com/glossary/ai-agent"
---

# AI Agent

An AI agent is software that uses a language model to understand a task, take actions in your tools and finish the work on its own. It hands over to a person only when needed.

## Definition

A good agent works from your own data, is connected to your systems and has clear limits so it acts safely. It reads the context, decides what to do, does it and logs the result. Built well, it handles the repetitive 70–80% of a workflow from start to finish.

## Full guide

[Read the full guide: What is an AI agent?](https://www.whatsnext-ai.com/blog/what-is-an-ai-agent)

## Related

- [AI Agents](https://www.whatsnext-ai.com/ai-agents)
- [Custom AI Development](https://www.whatsnext-ai.com/custom-ai-development)

## Source

Anthropic — Building Effective Agents (2024) (https://www.anthropic.com/research/building-effective-agents)