Subagent

Simple Definition

A subagent is a smaller AI agent assigned to one specific part of a bigger task, such as researching, coding, testing, reviewing, or summarizing.

Instead of one AI doing everything, subagents split a large task into smaller, focused roles.

Why It Matters

Breaking a big job into focused roles keeps each part clear and easier to check, much like giving different jobs to different teammates instead of asking one person to do it all. It works best when a task is genuinely big enough to split.

Example

One subagent researches competitors, another writes the report, and a third checks the final result, each focused on a single role.

Related Terms

• AI Agent, the broader concept a subagent is a focused piece of
• AI Loop, a subagent may repeat its task until done
• AI Goal, each subagent works toward a clear goal
• AI Workflow, subagents are roles within a larger workflow
• AI Automation, splitting roles helps automate complex work
• Related guide: Setting up Claude Code agents