What is an agent and why should i care?

Abstract

A range of agent implementation technologies are reviewed according to five user-based criteria and via a comparison with object-oriented programming. The comparison with OO shows that some parts of object technology are a candidate implementation technique for some parts of agent systems. However, many other non-object-based implementation techniques may be just as useful. Also, for agents with mentalistic attitudes, the high-level specification of agent behavior requires numerous concepts outside the object paradigm; e.g. plans, communication, intentions, roles, and teams.