AI Engineering

Overview

Build effective agentic systems using proven patterns. Start simple, add complexity only when needed.

For specialized prompt design guidance (techniques, patterns, examples for agentic systems), see the prompt-engineering skill.

Core Principle

Find the simplest solution first. Agentic systems trade latency and cost for better task performance. Only increase complexity when simpler solutions fall short.

1. Start with optimized single LLM calls (retrieval, in-context examples)
2. Add workflows for predictable, multi-step tasks
3. Use agents when flexibility and autonomous decision-making are required

When to Build an Agent

Before committing to an agent, validate that your use case truly requires agentic capabilities. Consider alternatives first—deterministic solutions are simpler, faster, and more reliable.