Effective coding-AI agentAn AI system that doesn't just answer once but works toward a goal in a loop — taking actions, reading the results, and deciding what to do next.Full definition → use requires deciding how much independence each task can support. In the skills-map article from Andrew Ng, the argument is that developers must match planning, permissions, and verification to the work. A quick prototype can begin with a loose prompt, while changes to an established product may need a carefully checked specification.
Verification closes the loop: tests and human checks reveal whether the result meets the intended goal, and failures can send the work back to implementation or planning. The article also stresses checking whether the tests themselves reflect that goal. The framework treats autonomy as a decision developers keep adjusting as evidence arrives.
Terms in this piece · Glossary
AI agent — An AI system that doesn't just answer once but works toward a goal in a loop — taking actions, reading the results, and deciding what to do next.
agent skill — A reusable instruction file that teaches an agent how to do one job well — the procedure, the tools, and what counts as done.
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