Orchestration
Also: agent orchestration
Managing the steps in a workflow. It sets which step runs next and how results pass between tools.
The fuller definition
Orchestration coordinates tasks, tools, state, and handoffs across components of a workflow or agent system.
- ObserveRead the task, the current state, and the last result.
- DecidePropose the next action: a search, a file read, a calculation.
- ActThe harness runs the action, if permitted.
- CheckStop condition met? If not, loop again.
The model proposes; the surrounding software executes and records. Where the loop may act, and when it must stop and ask, are decisions made outside the model.
A concrete example
An orchestrator sends separate document batches for extraction, then assembles results for review.
The distinction that matters
Adding coordination also adds failure points and overhead; more agents do not automatically improve quality.
Related terms
Subagent
A helper agent that a main agent hands part of a job to.
Agents & automationRouting
Choosing where a task goes next. For example, send a hard question to a stronger model or to a person.
Agents & automationWorkflow
A fixed sequence of steps a task goes through, which may include AI steps and human checks.
Where it is taught
Prompts, skills, workflows, and agentsSource and further reading
Anthropic · Building effective agentsThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.