> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.islo.dev/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.islo.dev/_mcp/server.

# Agents

> Create prompt or script Agents and assign each one a Machine.

An Agent performs a Line stage. A prompt Agent runs a selected harness, model, and prompt. A script Agent runs commands. Both types belong to a factory and require a [Machine](/concepts/machines).

## In the dashboard

1. Open your factory and go to **Agents** (`/factories/my-work/agents` or **factory → Agents** when the default factory is selected).
2. Choose **New agent** and pick **Prompt** or **Script**.
3. Select a verified [Machine](/concepts/machines), harness, model, and prompt (or script commands). The form loads available models from your tenant; you do not need to paste model IDs by hand unless you prefer the CLI.
4. Save the Agent. Names are unique within a factory and cannot change after creation.

Update an Agent from its detail page when you need a new prompt, model, or Machine assignment.

## Build with a local agent

[Install the Islo skill](/concepts/custom-lines) in your local coding agent and ask it to prepare an Agent for your Line. Give it the repository, the work the Agent should do, and any Machine or model requirements. The agent checks `islo schema agent`, chooses a compatible model from `/inference/models` when needed, creates the Agent configuration, and validates it before creation.

Ask the agent to show you the Machine assignment, harness, model, prompt or commands, and validation result. Review those choices before it creates or updates the Agent. The same skill handles updates; the update manifest omits `name` because the CLI identifies the Agent by its name.

## Use on a Line

Ask the local agent to assign the Agent to a [Line stage](/concepts/lines), or pick the Agent in the dashboard Line builder. A Machine can serve multiple Agents and Lines. A Line's selected [Manager](/concepts/manager) reads the Agent's current configuration on each Manager turn.

For direct Agent sessions, see the [API reference](/api-reference). The [CLI agent integration](/cli/agent-integration) describes a separate direct sandbox command, `islo use --agent`.