# Getting started with agents > Your comprehensive guide to understanding and working with AI agents in Cotera Source: https://cotera.co/docs/guides/agents/getting-started --- Your comprehensive guide to understanding and working with AI agents in Cotera. ## Overview Agents are AI-powered workers that analyze your data and take actions automatically. They transform static business data into intelligent, automated operations that scale with your needs. Whether you're analyzing customer feedback, processing support tickets, or managing complex workflows, understanding agents is essential for building effective AI automation in Cotera. ## Before You Begin If you're new to Cotera or agents, we recommend starting with these foundational resources: ### Learn the Fundamentals * [What is Cotera?](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/cotera-101/what-is-cotera.md) - Get introduced to the platform and its core purpose * [Agents (Core Concept)](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/core-concepts/agents.md) - Understand the fundamental concepts of AI agents in Cotera * [Datasets (Core Concept)](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/core-concepts/datasets.md) - Learn about the data foundation where agents operate * [Tools (Core Concept)](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/core-concepts/tools.md) - Discover the capabilities agents can use to extend their reach ### Hands-On Practice * [Create your first LLM column](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/basic-tutorials/create-an-llm-column.md) - Build your first agent-powered analysis * [Creating an LLM agent with tools](https://cotera.co/docs/guides/agents/create-an-llm-agent-with-tools.md) - Learn how to empower agents with external capabilities ## What You'll Learn in This Section * How to create and configure AI agents * How to write effective prompts for agents * How to equip agents with tools for enhanced capabilities * Best practices for agent deployment and testing * How to optimize agent performance and reliability ## Quick Start Path 1. **Start with the basics**: Read [Agents (Core Concept)](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/core-concepts/agents.md) to understand what agents are and how they work 2. **Get hands-on**: Follow [Create your first LLM column](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/basic-tutorials/create-an-llm-column.md) to build your first agent 3. **Extend capabilities**: Try [Creating an LLM agent with tools](https://cotera.co/docs/guides/agents/create-an-llm-agent-with-tools.md) to connect agents to external systems 4. **Master prompting**: Study the [prompting guides](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/prompting/prompting.md) to write effective agent instructions 5. **Explore advanced features**: Learn about [tool integration](https://cotera.co/docs/guides/tools/prompting-tools.md) ## Agent Creation and Configuration Once you're comfortable with the basics, explore these specialized guides: * [Create an LLM column](https://cotera.co/docs/guides/how-to-create-an-llm-column.md) - Detailed guide for deploying agents in your datasets * [Creating an LLM agent with tools](https://cotera.co/docs/guides/agents/create-an-llm-agent-with-tools.md) - Learn how to empower agents with external capabilities ## Prompting Your Agents Effective agents start with effective prompts. Learn the art of instructing AI: ### Prompting Fundamentals * [What is a prompt?](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/prompting/what-is-a-prompt.md) - Understand how you communicate with AI agents * [Before you prompt: Planning for success](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/prompting/before-you-prompt.md) - Prepare for effective agent creation * [Crafting effective prompts](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/prompting/prompting.md) - Master the techniques for clear agent instructions * [Testing and refining prompts](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/prompting/prompt-iteration.md) - Improve your agents through iteration ### Advanced Prompting * [Prompt engineering guide](https://cotera.co/docs/reference/prompt-engineering-for-cotera/prompt-engineering-guide.md) - Comprehensive technical reference for advanced prompting techniques ## Working with Tools Extend your agents' capabilities by connecting them to external systems: * [Tools (Core Concept)](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/core-concepts/tools.md) - Understand how tools extend agent capabilities * [Getting started with tools](https://cotera.co/docs/guides/tools/getting-started.md) - Introduction to the tools ecosystem * [Use a tool](https://cotera.co/docs/guides/tools/how-to-use-a-tool.md) - Step-by-step guide to tool integration * [Prompt tools effectively](https://cotera.co/docs/guides/tools/prompting-tools.md) - Best practices for instructing agents to use tools * [Available tools overview](https://cotera.co/docs/reference/tools/individual-tools.md) - Browse the complete tools catalog ## Understanding the Foundation Agents operate within the broader Cotera architecture. These concepts provide essential context: * [Datasets](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/core-concepts/datasets.md) - The workspace where agents live and operate * [Columns](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/core-concepts/columns.md) - How agents are deployed within your data structure * [Triggers](https://cotera.co/docs/learn/core-concepts/triggers.md) - Control when agents execute and process data ## Need Help? If you get stuck or need more specific guidance, refer back to the foundational concepts linked above in the "Before You Begin" section. For technical issues or questions about specific agent behaviors, consult the [prompt engineering guide](https://cotera.co/docs/reference/prompt-engineering-for-cotera/prompt-engineering-guide.md) for advanced troubleshooting strategies.