Glossary
What is an AI agent?
An AI agent is software that uses a language model to work toward a goal over several steps, deciding what to do next, using tools such as a browser, terminal or APIs, and checking results. Unlike a chatbot that answers one prompt, an agent takes actions, like filling forms or writing and running code.
Agent vs chatbot vs workflow
| Chatbot | Workflow | Agent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steps | One reply | Fixed sequence in code | Model decides |
| Tools | Few or none | Called at set points | Chosen as needed |
| Example | Answers a question | Summarise every new ticket | Submit a product to 50 directories |
Anthropic's guidance on building agents describes this split: workflows orchestrate models through predefined code paths, while agents direct their own process and tool use.
What agents use
- Tool calling to run functions and APIs.
- A browser to read and act on websites (Browser agent, computer use).
- A terminal and files, for coding agents.
- Memory within their context window and in files.
- Protocols like MCP to connect to tools.
Where humans stay in charge
Good agents pause at checkpoints: payments, accepting terms, entering passwords, CAPTCHAs and anything irreversible. They also resist prompt injection, instructions hidden in pages they read.
Agents for launches
Submitting a product to dozens of directories is repetitive but never identical: different fields, limits, categories and flows. That suits an agent. AgentLaunch is built around this: you open it in Claude Code, Codex or Cursor, and your agent works through 300+ hand-checked directories in your own browser using the submit paths we recorded, writes copy for each audience, and stops for you at CAPTCHAs and payments.
Example
A founder asks her coding agent to submit her app to 20 AI directories. The agent reads each form, writes a description that fits each limit, uploads screenshots, completes 16, pauses on 3 CAPTCHAs for her to solve and skips 1 that requires payment, logging all 20 in a tracker.
FAQ
Is ChatGPT an AI agent?
ChatGPT has agent features that browse and act; a plain chat answer isn't agentic.
Are AI agents safe to let loose on my accounts?
Use ones that run in your own browser, ask before payments and irreversible steps, and log what they do.
What's the difference between an agent and automation?
Traditional automation follows fixed rules; an agent decides steps and adapts to each page.
Can AI agents solve CAPTCHAs?
Responsible agents don't try to bypass them; they hand them to a human.
Do AI agents need an internet connection?
Agents using hosted models or web tools do; some run local models offline.
Sources
- Anthropic: Building effective agents
- OpenAI: A practical guide to building agents
- Anthropic: Computer use