4.5. Multi-Agent Orchestration Patterns

💡 First Principle: Multi-agent systems need coordination patterns, just like human teams. Sequential (assembly line): each agent completes their work before passing to the next—use when order matters and steps don't need iteration. Hierarchical (manager delegates): a supervisor agent assigns tasks and synthesizes results—use when subtasks are independent. Collaborative (group discussion): agents debate and refine together—use when quality improves through iteration. The exam tests whether you can match the task structure to the right orchestration pattern.

Orchestration Patterns

The following diagram shows a hierarchical multi-agent pattern:

Framework Selection Decision Tree

Use this decision tree to select the appropriate agent framework:

Framework Comparison

When to Use Each Framework