Design 8: Multi-agent system
Words made simple
A few useful meanings before you read the explanation.
- Agent
- An application that uses a model to choose its next action within defined limits. It can use tools and continue through several steps.
- Trace
- A linked record of the steps in one request, including model calls, retrieval and tools. It helps locate delays or failures.
Overview
Several specialized model-driven components cooperate under a controlled coordinator. Each has a measurable task and narrow context.
Why this matters
Independent specialties can need separate data/tools or parallel execution.
An everyday example
Specialists submit reports to a case manager.
A technical example
Policy evidence worker and document-completeness worker return typed results.
How it works
- Partition tasks
- Apply scopes
- Execute within shared budget
- Validate reports
- Resolve conflicts
- Summarize.
Architecture and flow
Coordinator → scoped specialists → consistency check → final output.
The insurance assistant example
Prepare a staff claim review packet.
When to use it
Proven benefits from separate responsibilities.
When to avoid it
One competent model plus functions may be cheaper and clearer.
Interview answer
“I justify multiple agents with measured specialization benefits and explicit coordination, permissions, and budget contracts.”
Benefits, trade-offs, and production considerations
Limit delegation depth, propagate traces, avoid full-history sharing, and do not treat model agreement as factual verification.
Can you explain it without the notes?
Design 8: Multi-agent system
Use your own words. Explain an example and one limitation before checking the explanation.
Check your explanation
Several specialized model-driven components cooperate under a controlled coordinator. Each has a measurable task and narrow context.
Turn this concept into a clear answer.
Practice this conceptAdapted from 13_AI.MD · “Design 8: Multi-agent system”. Examples are study fragments; framework behavior can depend on your version.