Objects and Agents : How do they differ ? by

Just how different are objects and agents? Some developers consider agents to be objects, but with more bells and whistles. This approach tends to define agents beginning with the phrase, "An agent is an object that ..."—where the definers add their favorite discriminating features. Then, there are those who see agents and objects as different even though they share many things in common. Both approaches envision using both objects and agents together in the development of software systems. This article discusses both the differences and similarities between agents and objects and lets you decide which viewpoint you want to choose. Whichever viewpoint you choose, I hope you will find that the agent-based way of thinking brings a useful and important perspective for system development.