Do I need an agent? Do I need LangGraph?
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.
- State
- The data describing where a workflow is now, what it already knows, and what still needs to happen.
- If next steps are fixed, use a sequence of functions or a workflow.
- If next information actions genuinely vary, a bounded agent may help.
- Use LangGraph when explicit state, branching, review pauses, or recovery justify it; a short read-only loop can remain simple.
Evidence: compare fixed workflow, single agent, and extra specialists on task completion, calls, cost, and failure modes. Add multi-agent roles only for demonstrated benefits.
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Do I need an agent? Do I need LangGraph?
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If next steps are fixed, use a sequence of functions or a workflow. If next information actions genuinely vary, a bounded agent may help. Use LangGraph when explicit state, branching, review pauses, or recovery justify it; a short read-only loop can remain…
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Practice this conceptAdapted from 13_AI.MD · “5. Do I need an agent? Do I need LangGraph?”. Examples are study fragments; framework behavior can depend on your version.