Agent Handoffs
An agent handoff is the transfer of control and context from one agent to another. Clean handoffs ensure that the receiving agent has everything it needs to continue the task.
6 min•By Priygop Team•Updated 2026
Handoff Design Rules
- Pass only what is needed: include the relevant context, not the entire conversation history
- Include a clear task instruction: the receiving agent must know exactly what it should do
- Include the goal: so the receiving agent understands the broader purpose
- Include any constraints: time limits, approval requirements, quality standards
- Acknowledge the handoff: the receiving agent should confirm it understood the task
- Log every handoff: record what was transferred, when, and between which agents
Handoff Message
Handoff Message
# Clean agent handoff implementation
def create_handoff(
from_agent: str,
to_agent: str,
task: str,
relevant_context: dict,
constraints: dict = None
) -> dict:
"""Create a structured handoff message."""
return {
"handoff_type": "agent_handoff",
"from_agent": from_agent,
"to_agent": to_agent,
"task": task,
"context": relevant_context,
"constraints": constraints or {},
"timestamp": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z"
}
# Research agent hands off to writing agent
handoff = create_handoff(
from_agent="research_agent",
to_agent="writing_agent",
task="Write a 500-word summary of the AI market research",
relevant_context={
"research_findings": ["40% growth", "GPT-4 dominant", "Enterprise focus"],
"sources": ["https://example.com/ai-report"],
"key_statistics": {"market_size_bn": 45, "growth_rate": "35%"},
},
constraints={
"word_limit": 500,
"tone": "professional",
"format": "executive summary with bullet points",
"must_include_sources": True,
}
)
print("Handoff from:", handoff["from_agent"], "→", handoff["to_agent"])
print("Task:", handoff["task"])
print("Context keys:", list(handoff["context"].keys()))
print("Constraints:", list(handoff["constraints"].keys()))Key Takeaways
- An agent handoff is the transfer of control and context from one agent to another.
- Pass only what is needed: include the relevant context, not the entire conversation history
- Include a clear task instruction: the receiving agent must know exactly what it should do
- Include the goal: so the receiving agent understands the broader purpose