---
title: "What are Agents?"
description: "TL;DR: Agents are configurable AI assistants in your Ballet workspace. Each agent has instructions, a language model, tools, skills, and optional memory. Use agents in playbook steps or configure them from the Agents page in the sidebar."
canonical_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/what-are-agents-OKFRlcHoGP"
md_url: "https://docs.ballet.dev/articles/what-are-agents-OKFRlcHoGP.md"
---
# What are Agents?

**TL;DR:** Agents are configurable AI assistants in your Ballet workspace. Each agent has instructions, a language model, tools, skills, and optional memory. Use agents in playbook steps or configure them from the **Agents** page in the sidebar.

## Who this is for

Builders creating AI-powered automation components.

## What makes up an agent?

| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| **Instructions** | System prompt defining the agent's behavior and expertise |
| **Model** | Language model (via AI Gateway / Ballet Models) |
| **Tools** | Callable functions the agent can invoke |
| **Skills** | Reusable instruction templates applied for specific tasks |
| **Memory** | Optional context the agent retains across interactions |

## How do agents differ from Ask Ballet?

**Ask Ballet (Console)** is the general-purpose assistant for building and debugging. **Agents** are specialized assistants you configure for specific domains — for example, a "Support Triage" agent or a "Code Review" agent.

## How do I create an agent?

1. Open **Agents** from the sidebar (or ⌘K → Create agent).
2. Set instructions, model, tools, and skills.
3. Reference the agent in playbook steps or let Ask Ballet use it during Build.

## When should I use an agent?

Use agents when a playbook step needs domain-specific AI behavior that differs from the default Console assistant — specialized prompts, specific tools, or persistent memory.

## Related articles

- [What are Skills?](/articles/what-are-skills-opWWDU5VJU)
- [What are Tools and the playground?](/articles/what-are-tools-and-the-playground-Q55151jeTs)
- [What is the AI Gateway?](/articles/what-is-the-ai-gateway-ballet-models-kP7PdJwA9p)