Overview
Use the following decision process.
- Determine the expected response time.
Choose a fast mode for immediate answers. Choose a planning or reasoning mode for a task that must work through several steps.
- Estimate the context load.
Use standard context when the task contains little information and is unlikely to become a long conversation. Use extended context when the agent must retain a large amount of data or sustain extensive back-and-forth.
- Determine the task scale.
Use one agent for a focused deliverable. Use a swarm when the work contains several substantial parts that can be assigned separately.
- Determine whether the work is temporary or persistent.
Use chat for a one-off exchange. Use a project when the workspace, files, and conversation need to be revisited.
- Determine where the work must execute.
Use a local environment when the agent needs local files, local applications, or a local coding workspace. Use a cloud environment when the task must continue while the computer is closed or unavailable.
- Choose the interface that fits the operator.
Use a graphical interface for direct interaction and preview. Use a command-line or development-environment integration when the model needs to participate in an established coding workflow.