# Plan and Execute Agent node

The Plan and Execute Agent is like the [ReAct agent](../react-agent/) but with a focus on planning. It first creates a high-level plan to solve the given task and then executes the plan step by step. This agent is most useful for tasks that require a structured approach and careful planning.

Refer to [AI Agent](../) for more information on the AI Agent node itself.

## Node parameters

Configure the Plan and Execute Agent using the following parameters.

### Prompt

Select how you want the node to construct the prompt (also known as the user's query or input from the chat).

Choose from:

- **Take from previous node automatically**: If you select this option, the node expects an input from a previous node called `chatInput`.
- **Define below**: If you select this option, provide either static text or an expression for dynamic content to serve as the prompt in the **Prompt (User Message)** field.

### Require Specific Output Format

This parameter controls whether you want the node to require a specific output format. When turned on, n8n prompts you to connect one of these output parsers to the node:

- [Auto-fixing Output Parser](../../../sub-nodes/n8n-nodes-langchain.outputparserautofixing/)
- [Item List Output Parser](../../../sub-nodes/n8n-nodes-langchain.outputparseritemlist/)
- [Structured Output Parser](../../../sub-nodes/n8n-nodes-langchain.outputparserstructured/)

## Node options

Refine the Plan and Execute Agent node's behavior using these options:

### Human Message Template

Enter a message that n8n will send to the agent during each step execution.

Available LangChain expressions:

- `{previous_steps}`: Contains information about the previous steps the agent's already completed.
- `{current_step}`: Contains information about the current step.
- `{agent_scratchpad}`: Information to remember for the next iteration.

## Templates and examples

Refer to the main AI Agent node's [Templates and examples](../#templates-and-examples) section.

## Common issues

For common questions or issues and suggested solutions, refer to [Common issues](../common-issues/).
