A chatbot is primarily a conversation interface. An agent is a workflow that can use approved tools and information to take bounded actions toward a goal. A single product can include both, but they solve different problems.
Read the beginner introduction first
Compare the roles
| Chatbot | AI agent |
|---|---|
| Answers or guides in a conversation. | Works through a defined sequence of steps. |
| Usually waits for a user message. | May retrieve information or prepare a task after an approved trigger. |
| Best for questions, navigation, and simple support. | Best for repetitive, reviewable workflows with clear handoffs. |
| Still needs accurate source material. | Needs source material, permissions, logs, safeguards, and maintenance. |
Choose the smaller useful system
Use a chatbot when a visitor needs a helpful answer or route. Consider an agent only when there is a repeatable process with explicit ownership. Do not let either system invent policy, send sensitive information, or take irreversible actions without appropriate human review.
Use the Vibe Coding Guide to write a brief and acceptance criteria. Then explore small-business use cases.