Types of AI Agents

Understanding the different categories of AI agents

Different agents for different tasks. Let’s explore the types you can build with PraisonAI.

Diagram

1. Simple Agents

React directly to what you ask – no memory, just immediate response.

python

from praisonaiagents import Agent

# Simple Q&A agent
agent = Agent(instructions="Answer questions directly and concisely")
agent.start("What is the capital of France?")

Best For

Quick answers, simple tasks, FAQ bots

Example

Thermostat: cold → turn on heat

2. Goal-Based Agents

Work toward specific objectives, planning steps to achieve them.

python

from praisonaiagents import Agent

# Goal-oriented research agent
agent = Agent(
    instructions="Research and summarize topics thoroughly",
    planning=True  # Enable planning for complex goals
)
agent.start("Research the benefits of solar energy")

Diagram

Best For

Research, analysis, multi-step tasks

Example

Chess AI: plans moves to win

3. Learning Agents

Improve over time by remembering past interactions.

python

from praisonaiagents import Agent

# Agent with memory that learns preferences
agent = Agent(
    instructions="Remember user preferences and improve responses",
    memory=True  # Enable memory
)
agent.start("I prefer short, bullet-point answers")

Best For

Personal assistants, recommendations

Example

Netflix: learns what you like

4. Tool-Using Agents

Extend capabilities with external tools.

python

from praisonaiagents import Agent

def search_web(query: str) -> str:
    """Search the web for information"""
    return f"Results for: {query}"

# Agent with tools
agent = Agent(
    instructions="Search and analyze information",
    tools=[search_web]
)
agent.start("Find the latest news about AI")

Diagram

5. Multi-Agent Teams

Multiple agents working together on complex tasks.

python

from praisonaiagents import Agent, AgentTeam

researcher = Agent(instructions="Research topics thoroughly")
writer = Agent(instructions="Write clear summaries")

team = AgentTeam(agents=[researcher, writer])
team.start()

Diagram

Which Type Should You Use?

Need	Agent Type	PraisonAI Feature
Quick answers	Simple	Default agent
Complex tasks	Goal-Based	`planning=True`
Personalization	Learning	`memory=True`
External data	Tool-Using	`tools=[...]`
Big projects	Multi-Agent	`AgentTeam([...])`

Next: Agent Architecture

Learn how agents are structured internally.