community_contributions/osebas15/day2_5_transcript_summary.md

Day 2 Part 5: Workflow Design Patterns Summary

5 Anthropic Workflow Design Patterns

1. Prompt Chaining

• Pattern: Sequential LLM calls with optional code between steps
• Architecture: LLM → [Code] → LLM → [Code] → LLM
• Use Case: Decompose complex tasks into fixed subtasks
• Example: Sector → Pain Point → Solution
• Key: Each LLM call precisely framed for optimal response

2. Routing

• Pattern: LLM router decides which specialist model handles task
• Architecture: Input → Router LLM → Specialist LLM (1/2/3)
• Use Case: Separation of concerns with expert models
• Key: Router classifies tasks and routes to appropriate specialists

3. Parallelization

• Pattern: Code breaks task into parallel pieces, sends to multiple LLMs
• Architecture: Code → [LLM1, LLM2, LLM3] → Code (aggregator)
• Use Case: Concurrent subtasks or multiple attempts at same task
• Key: Code orchestrates, not LLM; can aggregate results

4. Orchestrator-Worker

• Pattern: LLM breaks down complex task, other LLMs execute, LLM recombines
• Architecture: Orchestrator LLM → [Worker LLMs] → Orchestrator LLM
• Use Case: Dynamic task decomposition and synthesis
• Key: LLM (not code) does orchestration; more flexible than parallelization

5. Evaluator-Optimizer

• Pattern: Generator LLM creates solution, Evaluator LLM validates/rejects
• Architecture: Generator LLM → Evaluator LLM → [Accept/Reject Loop]
• Use Case: Quality assurance and accuracy improvement
• Key: Feedback loop for validation; most commonly used pattern

Key Architectural Insights

• Blurred Lines: Distinction between workflows and agents is artificial
• Autonomy Elements: Even workflows can have discretion and autonomy
• Guardrails: Workflows provide constraints while maintaining flexibility
• Production Focus: Evaluator pattern crucial for accuracy and robustness

Pattern Comparison

Pattern	Orchestrator	Flexibility	Use Case
Prompt Chaining	Code	Low	Sequential tasks
Routing	LLM	Medium	Expert selection
Parallelization	Code	Medium	Concurrent tasks
Orchestrator-Worker	LLM	High	Dynamic decomposition
Evaluator-Optimizer	LLM	High	Quality assurance