> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.swarms.world/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Autonomous Looper with Tools > Build an autonomous looping agent that uses tools to iteratively achieve a goal. The `selected_tools` parameter allows you to configure which tools are available to the agent when using the autonomous looper mode (`max_loops="auto"`). ## 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"`). ## Available Tools | Tool Name | Description | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `create_plan` | Create a detailed plan for completing a task | | `think` | Analyze current situation and decide next actions | | `subtask_done` | Mark a subtask as completed and move to the next task | | `complete_task` | Mark the main task as complete with comprehensive summary | | `respond_to_user` | Send messages or responses to the user | | `create_file` | Create a new file with specified content | | `update_file` | Update an existing file (replace or append) | | `read_file` | Read the contents of a file | | `list_directory` | List files and directories in a path | | `delete_file` | Delete a file (use with caution) | | `run_bash` | Execute bash/shell commands on the terminal (returns stdout/stderr) | | `create_sub_agent` | Create specialized sub-agents for delegation | | `assign_task` | Assign tasks to sub-agents for asynchronous execution | ## Usage ### Default Behavior (All Tools Available) ```python theme={null} 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 ) ``` ### Restricted Tools ```python theme={null} 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", ], ) ``` ### File Operations Enabled ```python theme={null} 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", ], ) ``` ### File Operations + Terminal (run\_bash) Enable file operations and terminal command execution: ```python theme={null} 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", ], ) ``` ### Minimal Configuration ```python theme={null} agent = Agent( agent_name="Minimal-Agent", model_name="anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-5", max_loops="auto", selected_tools=[ "create_plan", "subtask_done", "complete_task", ], ) ``` ## Use Cases ### Research Agent (No File Operations) For agents focused on research and analysis without needing to create or modify files: ```python theme={null} research_agent = Agent( agent_name="Research-Agent", max_loops="auto", selected_tools=[ "create_plan", "think", "subtask_done", "complete_task", "respond_to_user", ], ) ``` ### Code Generation Agent (With File Operations) For agents that need to create and modify code files: ```python theme={null} 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", ], ) ``` ### Data Analysis Agent (Read-Only Files) For agents that need to read files but shouldn't modify them: ```python theme={null} 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", ], ) ``` ### Terminal / DevOps Agent (With run\_bash) For agents that need to run shell commands (e.g. scripts, CLI tools, git): ```python theme={null} 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](/examples/agents/autonomous-looper-bash) for a step-by-step guide. ## 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 ## 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) ## See Also * [Run Bash Tool Tutorial](/examples/agents/autonomous-looper-bash) – Using `run_bash` to execute terminal commands * [Autonomous Loop Documentation](/examples/agents/autonomous-looper-bash) * [Agent Configuration Guide](/agents/agent-configuration) * [Tool System Overview](/agents/agent-tools)