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docs(copilot): clarify subagent execution model and orchestration patterns#9330

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digitarald wants to merge 17 commits intovnextfrom
docs/clarify-subagent-execution
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docs(copilot): clarify subagent execution model and orchestration patterns#9330
digitarald wants to merge 17 commits intovnextfrom
docs/clarify-subagent-execution

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Summary

Addresses user confusion about subagent behavior based on internal Slack feedback. Clarifies how runSubagent works and when to use it.

Key changes

Execution model

  • Subagents are synchronous (blocking) — main agent waits for results
  • Multiple subagents can run in parallel when spawned together
  • Subagents inherit model + tools but NOT instructions or conversation history
  • Added mermaid diagram showing the flow

UI visibility

  • Subagents appear as collapsible tool calls
  • Collapsed: shows agent name + current tool
  • Expanded: shows full prompt, tool calls, and result

Invocation patterns

  • Clarified that subagents are typically agent-initiated, not user-invoked
  • Added guidance on defining subagent behavior in custom agent instructions

Custom agent integration

  • agents array overrides disable-model-invocation: true for explicit allowlisting
  • Custom agents can specify their own model, tools, instructions

Orchestration patterns (new section)

  • Coordinator and worker pattern: Feature Builder with Planner, Plan Architect, Implementer, Reviewer
  • Multi-perspective code review: parallel review subagents with prompt-based focus areas
  • Worker agents use user-invokable: false and tailored tool access

Style compliance

  • Removed hypotheticals (would/could)
  • Added periods to numbered steps
  • Used active voice throughout

ntrogh and others added 17 commits February 4, 2026 15:55
Co-authored-by: Brigit Murtaugh <brmurtau@microsoft.com>
Re-add third-party cloud agent sessions
Update agents dropdown screenshots
* add .md file

* adding images via git lfs

* rename files

* fix typo

* C -> c

* Update blogs/2026/02/05/your-agent-ux.md

Co-authored-by: Nick Trogh <ntrogh@hotmail.com>

* Update blogs/2026/02/05/your-agent-ux.md

Co-authored-by: Nick Trogh <ntrogh@hotmail.com>

* Update blogs/2026/02/05/your-agent-ux.md

Co-authored-by: Nick Trogh <ntrogh@hotmail.com>

* Update blogs/2026/02/05/your-agent-ux.md

Co-authored-by: Nick Trogh <ntrogh@hotmail.com>

* Update blogs/2026/02/05/your-agent-ux.md

Co-authored-by: Nick Trogh <ntrogh@hotmail.com>

* update social image to be zoomed in

* feedback changes

* rename file

* update orchestration section

* rephrase

* Update blogs/2026/02/05/multi-agent-development.md

Co-authored-by: Copilot <175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>

* Apply suggestion from @ntrogh

Co-authored-by: Nick Trogh <ntrogh@hotmail.com>

* minor suggestions

* update images

---------

Co-authored-by: Nick Trogh <ntrogh@hotmail.com>
Co-authored-by: Copilot <175728472+Copilot@users.noreply.github.com>
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5 participants