parallel fan-out

Spawning N subagents simultaneously for independent work

parallel fan-out

Definition

Parallel fan-out is the act of spawning N subagents in a single assistant turn so they execute simultaneously — the concrete implementation of the parallel-by-default rule.

Expanded

Mechanics: in a single tool-use block, issue N Agent calls (or N parallel Bash/Read/Write calls), each scoped to one piece of the independent work. Each subagent reports back; the parent synthesises the results. This is fundamentally faster than sequential, and the family’s hard rule mandates it whenever the work shape allows.

Anti-pattern: starting agent 1, waiting for it, starting agent 2, … when none of them depends on another. Correct pattern: launch all in the same turn.

See also

• parallel-by-default

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