Building reliable agents is easier with good flows (clear goal, bounded loop, right tools, human checkpoints, observability) and with frameworks that give you structure. This chapter points to resources and tools: LangGraph for multi-step agent graphs and state; OpenClaw for open, reproducible agent builds; Cursor and Claude Code as coding agents (IDE + MCP); and n8n for visual workflow automation that can include LLM and tool nodes. Use these to implement the patterns you’ve seen (ReAct, planning, multi-agent, MCP) in practice.
Good agent flow checklist
- ✓Clear goal — One objective per run; decompose if needed.
- ✓Bounded loop — Max steps or time; avoid infinite tool calls.
- ✓Right tools only — Expose only what the task needs (reduces confusion and cost).
- ✓Structured output when needed — Use JSON or schema for plans and tool args.
- ✓Human checkpoints — For high-stakes actions (pay, book, delete), require approval.
- ✓Observability — Log steps, tool calls, and errors so you can debug and improve.
Frameworks & tools for agent flows
LangGraph
Agent & workflow framework
Build multi-step agent flows with cycles, branching, and state. Define nodes (LLM, tools, logic) and edges; supports human-in-the-loop and persistence. Good for ReAct-style loops, planning, and multi-agent orchestration.
OpenClaw
Open agent framework
Framework for building and evaluating agents with standardized components (tools, memory, planning). Aims for reproducible agent workflows and benchmarks.
Cursor / Claude Code
Coding agents (IDE / code)
AI-powered coding environments that act as agents: they read your codebase, run tools (terminal, browser, MCP), and iterate. Use MCP to give them access to your APIs, DBs, or internal docs. Good for in-the-flow coding with an agent in the loop.
n8n
Workflow automation
Visual workflow tool that can include LLM nodes, API calls, and logic. Use it to orchestrate agent-like pipelines (trigger → LLM → condition → tool → next step) without writing code. Good for business automation and connecting many services.
Example: Choosing a fit
Code-first agents (ReAct, planning): LangGraph or OpenClaw. Coding assistant that uses your APIs/docs: Cursor or Claude Code + MCP servers. No-code automation (forms, CRM, emails + LLM): n8n or similar workflow tools. Combine as needed — e.g. n8n calls an API that runs a LangGraph agent.