Patterns
Router → workers (fan-out). Sequential pipeline (research → draft → review). Debate (multiple experts converge). Hierarchical (manager + team).
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Handoff prompts
Agent A ends turn with tool call handoff(agent_B, context). Framework loads B's system prompt with A's context.
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Cost saving
Specialized agents can use cheaper models (small model for extraction, big for synthesis). Total cost lower than mega-agent with full context.
Frameworks
CrewAI, AutoGen, LangGraph, OpenAI Swarm. Different orchestration styles. Roll-your-own often simpler.