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Agents & Agentic AI

Agent harness

The software around an AI that manages its tasks, tools and actions.

Example

Supporting software gives an AI tools and decides what happens after each tool finishes.

Why people use it

It provides the practical machinery an AI agent needs to keep a task moving.

What you'll hear

“What manages the tools and saves the agent's progress?”

What this means for you

Check how the complete system handles failed steps and required approvals.

Can you control it?

Developer-only

The people building or running the AI choose this setup. An everyday user generally needs their help to change how this part works.

Common questions

Is the harness the same as the basic AI system?
No. It is the operating structure around the AI system.
Can the same AI perform differently with another harness?
Yes. Available tools, saved information and recovery rules can change what the full agent can accomplish.
Why does recovery matter?
A failed connection or unfinished action needs a clear next step, rather than an unsupported claim of success.

Related terms

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