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What Is the Key Difference Between AI Workflows and AI Agents?
Understand why workflows use predetermined steps for predictable tasks while agents dynamically adapt their approach based on real-time results and feedback.
Question
What’s the key difference between a workflow and an agent?
A. Workflows use Claude, agents use other models
B. Workflows have predetermined steps, agents adapt their approach based on results
C. Agents are always faster than workflows
D. Workflows can’t use tools, agents can
Answer
B. Workflows have predetermined steps, agents adapt their approach based on results
Explanation
The fundamental distinction is that workflows execute fixed, predefined sequences of steps orchestrated by code, ensuring predictable and repeatable outcomes for structured tasks like data processing pipelines. Agents, by contrast, exhibit autonomy by dynamically planning, deciding which tools to use, and adapting their strategy based on intermediate results, feedback loops, or environmental changes, making them suitable for open-ended problem-solving where the optimal path isn’t known upfront.