If you are new to the AI space, the term 'agent' can sound intimidating. In reality, an AI agent is simply a language model running in a loop, equipped with tools it can use to interact with external systems.
While other companies are building agents deeply tied to their specific data platforms or operating systems, Anthropic takes a model-first approach. They provide Claude, a highly capable reasoning engine, alongside the open-source plumbing needed to connect it to the real world.
The Claude Agent Ecosystem
There is no single boxed product called a "Claude Agent." Building an agent with Anthropic means assembling several distinct parts:
The Core Model: Claude serves as the reasoning engine. It is known for its massive context window and safety-focused training.
