This chapter establishes the foundational understanding of LLM agents. It begins by tracing the progression from Large Language Models (LLMs) as text generators to their role as the cognitive core of systems that can perform actions. The discussion clarifies how agents move past the limitations of simple chatbots, leading to a precise definition of an LLM agent.

The chapter then examines the purpose of these agents, highlighting why they are useful and how they compare to traditional automation scripts. Illustrative applications will demonstrate their practical potential. Additionally, the concept of agent independence is introduced, explaining how these systems can operate with a degree of autonomy.

After working through this chapter, you will be able to:

• Explain how LLMs are utilized to create systems capable of intelligent action.
• Define an LLM agent and distinguish it from simpler LLM applications.
• Describe the primary purpose and benefits of using LLM agents.
• Compare LLM agents with conventional automation methods.
• Recognize examples of tasks LLM agents can perform.
• Grasp the basic idea of agent autonomy.