Subagent

Agent SDK

Definition

A specialized Claude instance invoked by an orchestrator to handle a specific subtask. Runs in its own isolated context window, preventing context contamination. Returns a structured result to the orchestrator. Invoked via the Task tool in the Agent SDK.

Example Usage

The research orchestrator spawns a subagent for web search and another for document parsing, each with only the tools needed for their specific task.

Related Concepts

Coordinator-Subagent (Orchestrator) Pattern

Agentic Architecture

All communication flows through the coordinator (hub-and-spoke)

Subagent Invocation & the Task Tool