Agent mode
A product-level preset that combines agent behavior, available tools, and an authorization policy.
Illustrative conversation
- Why can it edit and test files in agent mode but only answer questions in chat mode?
- The modes expose different runtime tools and permissions around the same underlying model.
Definition
Agent mode is a harness configuration, not a universal protocol setting. Enabling it commonly gives the model a multi-step loop plus a defined collection of tools, guardrails, and permission rules. Switching modes changes what the surrounding application exposes and may allow more autonomous work, but it does not alter the model's trained weights or remove the need for scoped approvals.
Reviewed