Author HubMatthias Bastian

When does it make sense to use AI agents instead of just prompts? Not very often, according to a new analysis from Anthropic. The AI company draws a clear line between workflows (where code orchestrates AI models and tools) and agents (which control their own processes independently).

While agents can handle complex, open-ended tasks, they also need more oversight and computing power. Anthropic suggests starting with basic prompts and only adding complexity when absolutely necessary. Though development frameworks can help teams get started with agents, simpler approaches often work better in production environments.

For teams considering AI agents, Anthropic recommends focusing on three key areas: keeping designs simple, making processes transparent, and carefully crafting user interfaces. The company sees the most potential for agents in customer service and software development tasks.