Most AI agents are just glorified workflow engines with an LLM in the middle
Financial_Ad_7297 · reddit · 2026-08-30
The author argues that many systems described as "agents" are essentially predictable workflow engines with an LLM inserted in the middle. While useful—where the model gets context, picks a tool, moves to the next step—this raises the question of what truly distinguishes an agent from an LLM within a workflow. Does it require autonomous step planning or mid-plan adjustments, or is tool selection sufficient? The distinction is crucial for system design.
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