An AI agent is an artificial system that works toward a goal with some independence. Rather than only returning information after each prompt, it can perceive information, decide what to do next, and execute actions within defined parameters. The practical shift is from asking for an answer to assigning a complete task. section 1.4.1 section 12.5.1
A useful way to think about an agent is: give it the destination, then let it plan part of the route. It can create subgoals and intermediate steps, select actions from what it observes, and act proactively instead of waiting for detailed instructions at every stage. This makes short, outcome-focused prompts possible for multistep work. section 1.4.1 section 12.5.1
An agent's work commonly moves through four connected stages:
- 1. Assess the situation by receiving and examining relevant information, such as documents, photos, or a website. section 1.4.1 section 12.5.1
- 2. Process what it finds by extracting details, cross-referencing available information, or comparing related sources. section 1.4.1 section 12.5.1
- 3. Decide what follows by judging the evidence against the assigned goal, including which issues deserve attention. section 1.4.1 section 12.5.1
- 4. Execute an action, communicate a result, or route a difficult case to a human when appropriate. section 1.4.1
Example: ask for a website improvement review
A simple request such as “Suggest improvements to my site” can give an agent a broad goal. It may visit the site as a visitor would, examine navigation paths and the relationship among design, media, and writing, then identify global problems such as redundancy or a lack of visual cohesion. It may also choose to inspect competing sites, assess visual appeal, or check for plagiarism without each step being separately requested. The value is not a single generated suggestion; it is the agent's ability to organize a review around the outcome you named. section 12.5.1
Example: process an automobile insurance claim
An insurance agent can receive claim documents and photos, verify policy terms, extract relevant information, estimate damage and repair costs, determine claim validity, and calculate a payout. Approved claims can be processed automatically, while complex cases can go to human adjusters. This illustrates agency as a sequence of observation, processing, decision-making, and action directed toward one defined objective. section 1.4.1
Agents differ from simpler AI assistance because the prompt can specify a goal rather than every operation. Their autonomy still operates within programmed objectives and defined parameters. For website work, begin with the visible result you want—such as a stronger site structure or more coherent presentation—then use the agent's feedback as a basis for improvement. section 1.4.1 section 12.5.1
