
Frameworks vs. Runtimes: The Next Shift in AI Agent Infrastructure
Frameworks taught us how to build agents. Runtimes are where agents actually run. Understanding this distinction is the key to shipping agents that work in production.

Frameworks taught us how to build agents. Runtimes are where agents actually run. Understanding this distinction is the key to shipping agents that work in production.

When deploying AI agents that execute code, choosing the right compute engine becomes critical. Understanding the trade-offs reveals why successful AI agent platforms need multiple compute options working in tandem.
MCP wants modular, sandboxed, language-agnostic tools with clean contracts. WebAssembly Components and WASI P2 deliver exactly that—turning fragmented toolchains into a unified, secure, polyglot platform.

The gap between AI agent promise and performance isn't about language model power—it's about understanding what individual agents actually need to work effectively.