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Multi-Agent Systems

Coordinate multiple agents through workflows or sub-agent delegation.

Understanding Multi-Agent

When a single agent isn't enough, use multiple agents working together:

Approach Structure Use Case
Graph (Workflow) Predefined flow with agent nodes Structured multi-stage processes
Sub-agent Dynamic delegation from parent agent Flexible task decomposition

Graph-Based Multi-Agent

Graphs orchestrate multiple agents in a fixed workflow.

Key Characteristics

  • Predefined structure - You design node sequence and edges
  • Specialized agents per node - Each node runs a different agent
  • Reliable execution - Same flow every time
  • Visual design - Build workflows in Graph Designer

Learn more: Graph (Workflow) Documentation

Sub-Agent Delegation

Sub-agent lets agents dynamically delegate tasks to other specialists.

Key Characteristics

  • Flexible delegation - Parent agent chooses when to delegate
  • Isolated contexts - Each sub-task has independent conversation history
  • Task persistence - Track multi-round iterations with task IDs
  • Tool-based - Enabled via the agent_task_executor system tool

How It Works

graph TB
    User[User Request] --> Parent[Parent Agent]
    Parent -->|Delegates| Sub1[Code Reviewer<br/>Task ID: review-1]
    Parent -->|Delegates| Sub2[Data Analyst<br/>Task ID: analysis-1]
    Parent -->|Delegates| Sub3[Writer<br/>Task ID: doc-1]

    Sub1 --> Result1[Review Report]
    Sub2 --> Result2[Analysis]
    Sub3 --> Result3[Documentation]

    Result1 & Result2 & Result3 --> Parent
    Parent --> Response[Aggregated Response]

Task IDs

Control task continuity:

  • New task ID → Fresh sub-agent context
  • Existing task ID → Continue with full history from previous rounds

Example: Use same task ID across iterations for "draft → feedback → revision" loops.

Learn more: Sub-Agent Tool Documentation

Choosing the Right Approach

Criteria Use Graph Use Sub-Agent
Workflow predictability Known upfront Discovered dynamically
Structure Fixed, repeatable Flexible, adaptive
Visual design Yes, via Graph Designer No, delegation in code
Specialist coordination Explicit node connections Parent orchestrates
Iteration tracking Per-graph execution Per-task ID

Combine both: Graphs can use agents configured with sub-agent tool for hybrid workflows.