what should be the first step when building an ai agent?

The first step when building an AI agent is to define the scope and purpose of the agent. This involves clearly outlining what the AI agent is going to do—its goals, functions, and the problems it will solve. Knowing the purpose sets the foundation for determining what capabilities the agent needs and guides subsequent decisions like choosing platforms, designing instructions, and integrating tools. For example, a sales AI agent might focus on answering product questions and providing recommendations, while a customer support AI agent would resolve issues and share resources. Defining the scope ensures the project starts with clear goals and a well-understood direction, which is critical for success.