Agent
A system that selects and performs multiple steps toward an objective, often using tools and intermediate state.
Definition
A system that selects and performs multiple steps toward an objective, often using tools and intermediate state.
Practical test
Does the system choose more than one step or tool call from intermediate results, rather than follow a fixed sequence?
Example
A browser system that searches, compares, revises its plan, and submits through tools is an agent; a fixed three-step API pipeline is not.
What to record
For agent to be operational rather than a reassuring label, record the objective, allowed tools, step and cost budgets, approvals, and stop reason. If those facts cannot be observed or tested, do not treat the term itself as evidence that the workflow is safe.