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The selected_tools parameter allows you to configure which tools are available to the agent when using the autonomous looper mode (max_loops="auto").

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Overview

When an agent is set to max_loops="auto", it enters autonomous loop mode where it can:
  1. Create a plan by breaking down tasks into subtasks
  2. Execute each subtask using available tools
  3. Generate a comprehensive summary when complete
The selected_tools parameter gives you fine-grained control over which tools the agent can use during this autonomous execution. By default, all tools are enabled (selected_tools="all").

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Available Tools

Tool NameDescription
create_planCreate a detailed plan for completing a task
thinkAnalyze current situation and decide next actions
subtask_doneMark a subtask as completed and move to the next task
complete_taskMark the main task as complete with comprehensive summary
respond_to_userSend messages or responses to the user
create_fileCreate a new file with specified content
update_fileUpdate an existing file (replace or append)
read_fileRead the contents of a file
list_directoryList files and directories in a path
delete_fileDelete a file (use with caution)
run_bashExecute bash/shell commands on the terminal (returns stdout/stderr)
create_sub_agentCreate specialized sub-agents for delegation
assign_taskAssign tasks to sub-agents for asynchronous execution

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Usage

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Default Behavior (All Tools Available)

from swarms import Agent

agent = Agent(
    agent_name="Full-Access-Agent",
    model_name="anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-5",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools="all",  # Default - all tools available
)

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Restricted Tools

agent = Agent(
    agent_name="Planning-Only-Agent",
    model_name="anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-5",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools=[
        "create_plan",
        "think",
        "subtask_done",
        "complete_task",
        "respond_to_user",
    ],
)

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File Operations Enabled

agent = Agent(
    agent_name="File-Operations-Agent",
    model_name="anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-5",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools=[
        "create_plan",
        "think",
        "subtask_done",
        "complete_task",
        "respond_to_user",
        "create_file",
        "update_file",
        "read_file",
        "list_directory",
    ],
)

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File Operations + Terminal (run_bash)

Enable file operations and terminal command execution: 
agent = Agent(
    agent_name="File-and-Terminal-Agent",
    model_name="anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-5",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools=[
        "create_plan",
        "think",
        "subtask_done",
        "complete_task",
        "respond_to_user",
        "create_file",
        "update_file",
        "read_file",
        "list_directory",
        "run_bash",
    ],
)

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Minimal Configuration

agent = Agent(
    agent_name="Minimal-Agent",
    model_name="anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-5",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools=[
        "create_plan",
        "subtask_done",
        "complete_task",
    ],
)

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Use Cases

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Research Agent (No File Operations)

For agents focused on research and analysis without needing to create or modify files: 
research_agent = Agent(
    agent_name="Research-Agent",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools=[
        "create_plan",
        "think",
        "subtask_done",
        "complete_task",
        "respond_to_user",
    ],
)

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Code Generation Agent (With File Operations)

For agents that need to create and modify code files: 
code_agent = Agent(
    agent_name="Code-Generator",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools=[
        "create_plan",
        "think",
        "subtask_done",
        "complete_task",
        "respond_to_user",
        "create_file",
        "update_file",
        "read_file",
        "list_directory",
    ],
)

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Data Analysis Agent (Read-Only Files)

For agents that need to read files but shouldn’t modify them: 
analysis_agent = Agent(
    agent_name="Data-Analyst",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools=[
        "create_plan",
        "think",
        "subtask_done",
        "complete_task",
        "respond_to_user",
        "read_file",
        "list_directory",
    ],
)

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Terminal / DevOps Agent (With run_bash)

For agents that need to run shell commands (e.g. scripts, CLI tools, git): 
terminal_agent = Agent(
    agent_name="Terminal-Agent",
    max_loops="auto",
    selected_tools=[
        "create_plan",
        "think",
        "subtask_done",
        "complete_task",
        "respond_to_user",
        "read_file",
        "list_directory",
        "run_bash",
    ],
)
See Run Bash Tool Tutorial for a step-by-step guide.

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Best Practices

  1. Start Restrictive: Begin with a minimal set of tools and add more as needed
  2. Security: Avoid giving file deletion capabilities unless absolutely necessary
  3. Task Alignment: Choose tools that align with the agent’s primary purpose
  4. Testing: Test your agent with the tool configuration before production use

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Notes

  • selected_tools defaults to "all", which enables all tools
  • When set to a list, the agent will only have access to the tools you specify
  • Tool handlers are automatically filtered based on your configuration
  • Invalid tool names are ignored (only valid tool names from the list above are used)

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See Also