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What is a subagent?
A subagent is a smaller AI helper that a main AI agent starts to handle one part of a bigger job.
- Category Agents & tools
- Also called sub-agent
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Subagent, explained simply
A subagent is a helper AI that another AI agent starts. The main agent gives it one small task and waits for the result.
It matters because big jobs get messy when one AI holds everything in its head. A subagent can focus on one thing and report back a short answer.
For example, a coding agent might send one subagent to read through old files and another to write tests. The main agent then puts the results together.
Think of a manager handing tasks to team members. Each person works on one piece.
On ITG Now, our tool guides and AI news stories mention subagents when a coding or research tool splits work into smaller helpers.
Related terms
AI agentMulti-agent systemAI coding agentClaude Code
Questions people ask about Subagent
Subagent vs agent: what is the difference?
An agent is the AI doing a job. A subagent is a helper that the main agent starts for one part of that job.
Do I need to set up subagents myself?
Often no. Some tools start them on their own, and others let you define your own.
Why use a subagent at all?
It keeps each AI focused on one task. That often gives cleaner and faster results.