# Choose an AI workflow before building an agent

> Match a task to a fixed workflow first, then add an agent loop only when the work needs one.

Source: https://fullbytedeveloper.com/blog/choose-ai-workflow-before-agent
Keyword: SIMPLEFIRST
Published: 2026-11-05

Anthropic recommends starting with the simplest workable approach and adding complexity when it improves results. [1]

## Try one model call first

Give the model relevant context and examples. Define a useful result before adding orchestration. [1]

## Match the task to a workflow

Anthropic describes five patterns. [1]

- Prompt chaining divides work into fixed steps with checks between them.
- Routing sends different inputs to specialized handlers.
- Parallelization handles independent parts or compares several attempts.
- Orchestrator-workers lets a model divide work whose subtasks are not predictable.
- Evaluator-optimizer uses feedback to revise a result.

Choose the pattern around your task's uncertainty. [1]

## Add an agent loop only where needed

Anthropic says agent loops can cost more and compound mistakes. Test the tool boundaries and stopping conditions before using one on consequential work. [1]

For coding tools, the guide reports that absolute file paths avoided mistakes caused by a changed working directory. Require them in file-editing tools. [1]

## Sources

1. [Anthropic: Building effective agents](https://www.anthropic.com/research/building-effective-agents)

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