Architecture Patterns

AI Agent Patterns by Cost

8 architecture patterns ranked from cheapest to most expensive. Each pattern includes cost drivers, real scenarios, and optimization tips.

PatternLowMidHigh

Single LLM Call

One prompt in, one response out. No tools, no loops.

111Details →

Prompt Chaining

Fixed sequential steps. Predictable cost.

235Details →

Routing (Classifier + Handler)

Cheap classifier then specialized handler.

223Details →

Parallelization

Independent subtasks run simultaneously.

246Details →

ReAct Agent (Tool Loop)

Agent decides tools and actions. Loops and failures compound.

2410Details →

Multi-Agent (Orchestrator-Workers)

Supervisor + workers. Context duplication at every handoff.

4815Details →
API calls per conversation (low / mid / high scenario)

Single LLM Call

One prompt in, one response out. No tools, no loops.

Simple Q&A chatbotsText classification

Prompt Chaining

Fixed sequential steps. Predictable cost.

Document processing pipelinesMulti-step content creation

Routing (Classifier + Handler)

Cheap classifier then specialized handler.

Customer support triageMulti-domain assistants

Parallelization

Independent subtasks run simultaneously.

Multi-source researchA/B content generation

ReAct Agent (Tool Loop)

Agent decides tools and actions. Loops and failures compound.

Tool-using assistantsWeb browsing agents

Multi-Agent (Orchestrator-Workers)

Supervisor + workers. Context duplication at every handoff.

Complex workflow orchestrationSpecialized agent teams

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