Cognition · Software component
Goal-Based Decision Engine
Software componentCognitionCognition & Memoryarc:GoalBasedDecisionEngine
A decision engine that selects any action sequence achieving a specified target state, treating all goal-achieving actions as equally valuable.
Responsibility. Selects actions that reach a binary goal state without ranking how efficiently they reach it.
Also known as: Goal-based agent
Variant of Decision Engine abstract
When to choose. Choose when binary goals suffice and no trade-offs exist; offers faster development and easier debugging.
Relationships
alternative to variability
Design guidance
- SHOULD NOT be used where multiple goals must be prioritized or cost/risk trade-offs arise, since it lacks machinery to rank goal-achieving alternatives.
Classification
- Quality attributes
- Maintainability (ISO/IEC 25010)
Sources
- Ch5.10: T. Nguyen, "Utility-Based Decision Making Fundamentals," in Mastering Agentic AI Systems: Guide for the NVIDIA NCP-AAI Exam, 1st ed. 2026, ch. 5.10. ISBN: 9798244538229.