An AI agent is an assistant with a goal. It plans the steps itself and uses tools and often several skills to get there. Well-configured agents ask you before important decisions.
Illustration: AI-generated · AI Compare Ninja · CC BY 4.0
Example
An inbox agent sorts your email every morning, drafts replies and puts them in front of you for approval.
For pros
Technically an agent works in a loop: plan, call a tool, check the result, continue. Clear permissions (read only or also send), limits and approval points matter most.
