Pathwise

Manuals / AI Agents & Workflows / Chapter 1

Start · beginner · ~25 min · Chapter 1 of 3

Prompt vs agent vs workflow

A prompt is one shot. A workflow is fixed steps. An agent chooses tools in a loop.

Path progress
33%

Step 1 of 1

Pick the right shape

Use a workflow when steps are known. Use an agent when the path depends on intermediate results.

Pick the right shapeDrag stickies · tap for tips
Study mapDrag stickies · tap for tipsKeep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Assert the UIdrag · tap →Retry wiselydrag · tap →Seed datadrag · tap →Close the loopdrag · tap →Keep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Pathwise hackdrag · tap →Pick the right shadrag · tap →Try thisdrag · tap →Follow the dashed drag · tap →

Quick check

An agent mainly differs by…

Do this now

Label 3 tasks as prompt / workflow / agent.

Was this step clear?
Chapter learning outcomes
  • Definitions
  • When each wins

Clear these before you leave