New to agents? Eight words to know first.
ModelReads text in and writes text out
A large language model such as GPT, Claude or Gemini. On its own, it can only read text in and write text out.
PromptThe instructions the model reads
Everything the model reads before it answers: who it is, the rules, background information and your question.
TokenThe unit AI is measured and billed in
Roughly three-quarters of a word. Models charge per token and can only read so many at once.
Context windowHow much the model can read at once
Like a desk: only so much fits. Everything the model considers for one answer has to fit on it.
AgentA model given a job, tools and rules
Instead of only answering, an agent can look things up, take steps and decide what to do next until the job is done.
ToolAn action the agent can take
Search the CRM, query a database, draft an email. Without tools, an agent can only talk.
Sub-agentA specialist the main agent hands work to
The main agent passes parts of a job to narrower specialists, like a manager.
HarnessEverything around the model
Tools, memory, rules, teamwork and tracking: what lets a model do real work. AgentFlow is a harness.