Four Structures for Agent Loops
Roger_M_Taylor · x · 2026-07-16
The author shared an article categorizing 4 types of agent loop structures, pointing out that most people are only familiar with one.
The core framework depends on two factors: who triggers a run and who decides to stop. The four structures are:
- Turn-based: Humans are involved in every round—asking, reviewing, and following up; suitable for when requirements are still forming.
- Goal-based: Given a clear goal, an evaluator decides whether to continue; ideal for tasks with quantifiable results but flexible paths.
- Time-based: Triggered by a timer for cyclical execution; suited for periodic tasks.
- Proactive: Unattended; the system monitors, breaks down tasks, and closes the loop itself; perfect for long-term to-dos and continuous responsibilities.
The post emphasizes that agent design isn't just about choosing a "better prompt," but rather selecting the right loop structure.
Related event: Deep Dive into Four Core Agent Loop Architectures(3 posts)→
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