AI agents

Beginner — Agent versus chatbot?

• A chatbot is a conversational interface.
• An agent uses a model to choose bounded actions and observes results toward a goal.
• A chatbot can use an agent, but a one-call conversation does not require one.

Intermediate — What is an agent loop?

• The model proposes a step, the application validates and executes a permitted action, and the result becomes an observation.
• The loop repeats only while task progress and step/time/token limits allow it.

Senior — When are multiple agents justified?

• When distinct scopes or specialties show measurable benefit over one agent or a fixed workflow.
• I require typed responsibilities, limited delegation, shared budgets, consistency checks, and outcome evaluation—not cosmetic role-play.

Scenario — An agent keeps repeating search. How do you fix it?

• I inspect whether the goal and completion conditions are clear and whether tool results are usable.
• I add repeated-query/progress detection and strict budgets, then clarify or escalate when evidence remains insufficient rather than searching indefinitely.