Tools, Hooks, Skills, Agent Loop, Agent Framework, MCP: Understanding the Terminology
Mikhail T. (Sh0ny)
24 июня 20261 min read
Updated 17 июля 2026In short
Let's take a closer look at what "tools," "hooks," "skills," "agent loop," "agent framework," and "MCP" mean, how they differ, and when to use each one.
In the world of AI agents and development, there are many terms that can be confusing. This article will help you understand the key concepts: tools, hooks, skills, agent loop, agent framework, and MCP.
What This Article Covers
- Tools — what they are and how they’re used.
- Hooks — their role and how they differ from other elements.
- Skills — what they’re used for.
- Agent Loop — the agent’s main operational cycle.
- Agent Framework — the infrastructure for creating agents.
- MCP — protocol or model? (clarified in the article)
The article explains how these concepts differ and provides recommendations on when to use each one.
Source: Habr