Workflow
In this Atlas, a workflow is an arrangement of steps whose control flow is primarily specified by application code. It may include language models, tools, branching, and repeated operations.
[Anthropic]In practice · hypothetical example
A support pipeline classifies a request, retrieves the matching policy, and drafts an answer in a defined sequence.
[Anthropic]A little deeper
Anthropic distinguishes prescribed workflow paths from agents that dynamically direct their own process. Real systems can combine both patterns. [Anthropic]
A common mix-up
A workflow can never contain a language model.
A model can perform a step while code still controls the overall sequence. [Anthropic]
Similar terms, different emphasis
Compare Agent & Workflow →Code prescribes classify, retrieve, then draft. What is this pattern?
Sources & editorial notes
Evidence: supported. Primary-source support for this scoped entry; publication approved by the project owner.
- Building effective agents ↗ (opens in new tab)Anthropic · 2024-12-19
Relevant section: What are agents?; Building blocks; Agents; Appendix 2
Last editorial review: 2026-09-13 by project-owner.
First observed in this corpus: Unknown.
Revision history
Revision 2 · Created 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-13
Project owner approved the current content for publication. Existing evidence scope and limitations remain applicable.