# What is inference shell?

> inference shell is an AI workspace where agents can actually do things.

**URL:** https://inference.sh/docs/getting-started/what-is-inference
**Last updated:** 2026-09-25

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inference shell is an AI workspace where agents can actually do things.

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## The Problem

You have an AI assistant. It can answer questions. But when you need it to *do* something—generate an image, process a file, run a workflow—you're on your own.

## The Solution

inference shell gives AI agents the ability to use tools. Real tools. Apps that generate images, transcribe audio, process data, and more.

You describe what you want. The agent figures out which tools to use, runs them, and gives you the result.

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## How it works

```
You: "Create a logo for my coffee shop"

Agent: Plans the task
       → Calls image generation app
       → Returns the result

You: Get your logo
```

The agent handles tool selection, execution, and error handling. You focus on the goal.

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## Key pieces

| Piece | What it does |
|-------|--------------|
| **Apps** | Single-purpose tools (generate image, transcribe audio) |
| **Flows** | Multi-step workflows chaining apps together |
| **Agents** | AI assistants that use apps and flows |
| **Workers** | Computers that run the actual work |

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## Next

→ [Web app tour](/docs/getting-started/web-app-tour)