What is an AI agent?
A practical way to distinguish action-taking software from a text or media tool.
A working definition
For selection purposes, an AI agent is software that uses a model to interpret a goal, choose steps and use tools within configured authority. The amount of autonomy depends on the actual workflow and permissions; the word “agent” on a product page is not proof of unrestricted operation.
An example you can inspect
Zapier Agents describes configured teammates using company knowledge and app connections. n8n describes agents combined with explicit workflow logic. Both are useful examples of tool-connected work, but they require setup and a permission review.
Agent, assistant or specialist tool?
An assistant generally works alongside a person who requests and reviews outputs. A specialist tool may generate an image or extract a clip without independently planning a broader goal. These types can overlap inside one vendor platform.
What changes your selection
Ask what steps are chosen, what tools are called, what data can be read, what actions can be written, and where approval is required. Choose for the permitted output, rather than an autonomy label.
Related products and tasks
Zapier Agents · Explore the related task →
n8n · Explore the related task →
Official source examples
- Official product information
Zapier · zapier.com · Read · 2026-10-01
- Official product information
n8n · n8n.io · Read · 2026-10-01
- Official pricing and deployment options
n8n · n8n.io · Read · 2026-10-01