Let’s begin with a few definitions and a quick overview of the main features of a declarative agent. This overview helps you determine whether a declarative agent might be suitable for your scenario.

What is an agent?

An agent is a conversational AI that can interact with users in a chat interface. Agents can answer questions, provide information, and perform tasks on behalf of the user. They can be used in various scenarios, such as customer support, IT helpdesk, and HR support.

What is a declarative agent?

Use declarative agents to extend Microsoft 365 Copilot. You define custom knowledge and custom actions to create agents tailored to a specific scenario.

Declarative agents use the same infrastructure, the same orchestrator, the same foundation model, and the same security controls as Microsoft 365 Copilot, ensuring a consistent and familiar user experience.

You build declarative agents with low-code using:

• Microsoft Copilot Studio
• SharePoint Online
• Microsoft Admin Center

Or with pro‑code, by using Visual Studio Code.

Declarative agents are used by end users in two ways:

• In‑context: @‑mention the agent from Microsoft 365 Copilot business chat (BizChat).

Immersive: access declarative agents from BizChat, where users can have a one‑to‑one (1:1) conversation with the agent.

Next unit: How declarative agents work