A thread you can test
Agent Loop
5 notes move from the word to a real choice at work — understand it first, then decide whether to use it.
Each note stands alone, or becomes the next step in this thread.
THE QUESTION THIS PAGE ANSWERS
ANSWER FIRSTWhat is Agent Loop, and which AI decisions does it change?
ReAct isn't just Think-Act-Observe three steps; what else each iteration must do in production This page keeps the related concepts, common mistakes, and practical notes in one reading thread.
First decide whether you are blocked by a definition, a choice, or verification; then choose the closest of the 5 notes below.
Start with “Textbook 3 Steps vs Real-World N Steps,” then restate the conclusion using your own task.
Do not treat every method in a topic as interchangeable. The answer changes with the input, risk, and acceptance bar.
THIS QUESTION THREAD
Put the word back inside the choice it changes.
Textbook 3 Steps vs Real-World N Steps
ReAct isn't just Think-Act-Observe three steps; what else each iteration must do in production
Why Agents Get Stuck
Typical failure patterns when loops hang in real scenarios, and what users see
Fool-Proofing: Making Loops Stop Themselves
Three strategy categories — caps, detection, fallback — and where PMs should draw the line
Streaming UX: Don't Leave Users Waiting
Tools run 30 seconds in the background — what should users see? Designing progress perception
The Real Cost Behind One Message
One user message may trigger 10+ loop iterations and dozens of API messages — building cost awareness