advanced~4h
7 Patterns in Multi-Agent Systems
Seven distinct architectural patterns for orchestrating multiple specialized agents — Parallel, Sequential, Loop, Router, Aggregator, Network, and Hierarchical — each suited to a different workflow shape.
7 Patterns in Multi-Agent Systems
Structural blueprints for coordinating multiple agents — pick based on whether subtasks are independent, sequential, iterative, or need consensus.
| Structure | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel | Task splits to multiple agents at once, results merge at the end | Independent subtasks that don't depend on each other |
| Sequential | A straight chain: Agent A → Agent B → Agent C | Pipelines where each stage depends on the previous output |
| Loop | An agent repeats until a 'good enough?' check passes | Iterative refinement tasks (drafting, self-correction) |
| Router | A router agent classifies and dispatches to one specialist agent | Tasks that fall into distinct, mutually-exclusive categories |
| Aggregator | Multiple agents produce independent opinions, merged into a consensus | Tasks that benefit from multiple perspectives |
| Network | Agents connect bidirectionally with no single center | Highly collaborative, decentralized problem-solving |
| Hierarchical | A planner agent delegates to workers, who report back up | Complex tasks needing decomposition + progress tracking |
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Exercises
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Projects
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Quiz Qs
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Flashcards
▶📚 Prerequisites(1)
🎓 Learning objectives
- •Identify which of the 7 multi-agent patterns fits a given workflow shape
- •Explain the friction-minimization design principle for choosing a multi-agent pattern
- •Distinguish Router (single dispatcher) from Aggregator (fan-in consensus) and Hierarchical (manager-worker) patterns
- •Design a multi-agent system that avoids duplicate work and unclear turn-taking
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