Introduction

My head is spinning about AI agents after watching Andrew Ng’s BUILD 2024 keynote. These aren’t just chatbots like ChatGPT, they’re smart systems that think, plan, and fix their own mistakes.

For developers, AI agents are like having a tireless teammate who codes, tests, and iterates. They’re set to reshape how we build apps. This article dives into what AI agents are, why they’re exciting, and how you can use them to make awesome apps.

After reading, you’ll be ready to experiment with agents, level up your projects, and:

• Know what AI agents and agentic reasoning are.
• See why they matter for developers.
• Learn practical ways to use agents in your work.
• Get ready for what’s next in AI coding.

Let’s get started!

What Are AI Agents?

AI agents are like super-smart assistants that don’t just answer questions but tackle tasks on their own. Unlike basic LLMs like Gemini, agents use “agentic reasoning” to plan, iterate, and use tools, like a developer debugging code. Andrew Ng describes them as systems that can write code, call APIs, or manage workflows, adjusting as they go. Think of an agent building a web app by writing JavaScript, testing it, and fixing errors without you hovering. They’re not perfect, but they’re a huge leap from traditional AI.

If you’re interested in further reading, I wrote another article about LLM agents here.

Why AI Agents Are Exciting

I love how AI agents feel like coding partners. They can automate boring stuff, like setting up APIs, letting you focus on creative work. Ng says agents are faster than humans at iterative tasks, like refining code through trial and error. A 2025 report from IBM noted 60% of developers using agents saw productivity gains.

For web development, imagine an agent building a Vue.js app’s backend while you tweak the UI. Sure, they’re not flawless, but their ability to think and adapt is mind-blowing for 2025. Let’s see what will happen in a few years! 🔮

Why you should be excited about them:

• Automate repetitive tasks, saving time.
• Iterate and self-correct, like a junior dev.
• Boost productivity for complex projects.
• Open coding to non-experts with simple prompts.

How Developers Can Use AI Agents

Ready to try AI agents? Here’s how to start, whether you’re building a Vue.js app or something else.

Start with Simple Tasks

Use agents for small jobs, like generating a REST API. Tools like LangChain let you prompt, “build a Node.js API for a to-do app.” The agent writes, tests, and refines the code. I’ve played with LangChain, and it’s like chatting with a coder who never sleeps. Start small to learn how agents think.

Integrate with Your Workflow

Agents can call APIs or run scripts, perfect for web development. Prompt an agent to “set up a web project with Tailwind CSS.” It’ll scaffold the code, and you can tweak it in your IDE. Ng notes agents shine when integrated into development workflows.

Iterate Like Crazy

Agents excel at iteration. If the code’s buggy, say, “fix the API error handling.” They’ll retry until it’s right. I find this cuts hours off debugging.

Test Everything

Agents can mess up. Run their code in a sandbox, like Replit, before deploying. Check outputs against docs or other official sources to keep your skills sharp and your project on point.

I’ve talked many times before about testing everything, and I’ll continue to do so, as I believe many people still blindly go with whatever the AI Agent suggests.

Tips for Using Agents:

• Start with small, clear tasks.
• Integrate agents with your IDE or platform.
• Prompt for iterations to refine outputs.
• Test all code to catch AI errors.

What’s Next for AI Agents

AI agents are just getting started. Ng predicts by late 2025, agents will handle multi-step workflows, like building entire apps from a single prompt (and yes, we’re getting closer and closer to this - and I mean creating bug-free production-ready apps). This means faster prototyping but also new challenges, like managing agent errors.

I’m excited about agents taking on complex tasks, like automating testing or optimizing databases, freeing us to focus on big ideas.

Many people from the tech world speculate agents could replace junior dev roles, but I think they’ll just make us all better. Stay ahead by experimenting now—it’s the best way to shape their future in your work.

Challenges to Watch Out For

AI agents aren’t perfect. Vague prompts lead to garbage code. They can get stuck in loops, endlessly tweaking without progress. I’ve seen agents churn out overcomplicated solutions when a simple one works. Costs for tools like LangChain can add up, so try free options first. Test outputs rigorously Agents are powerful, but they need our brains to shine.

Quick Tips for Success:

• Use precise prompts for accurate results.
• Test code in a sandbox before use.
• Join communities for agent tips.
• Try free tools to manage costs.

My Take on AI Agents

I’m slowly being obsessed with AI agents. 😅

They’re not here to replace developers—sorry, doomsayers—but to amplify us. As mentioned above, agents can prototype apps faster than I can brew coffee with my new machine. But they’re only as good as your prompts, so you still need to think.

Conclusion

AI agents are changing how developers work, from automating tasks to sparking new ideas. They’re not perfect, but with clear prompts and testing, they’re game-changers. Whether you’re coding apps or exploring new projects, start small and iterate.

Share your agent experiments in the comments—I’d love to hear about them! Master AI-Driven Development before everyone else with aidd.io, join today.

References

• Ng, A. (2024). Andrew Ng Explores The Rise Of AI Agents And Agentic Reasoning | BUILD 2024 Keynote. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrRD7r7y7NY
• AIDD.io powered by BitterBrains Inc. https://aidd.io