> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.contextual.io/documentation-and-resources/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.contextual.io/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/agents/scale-and-performance/flow-execution.md).

# Flow execution

Agents are responsible for executing your Contextual Flows. They provide compute to 'publish' a Flow and make it operational and externally accessible.

For HTTP Agents, the creation of an Agent also creates the base HTTP URL on which that agent will respond. This is visible on the definition tab of the Agent once created. HTTP Flows that are put live by HTTP Agents may have multiple different endpoints responding on this base URL.

<figure><img src="/files/Of6BuPgAU436ezu95ff0" alt=""><figcaption><p>Agent Definition Tab with Agent URL</p></figcaption></figure>

For Event Agents, the Agent will execute when it receives a message or event via a [Trigger](/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/object-types/object-type-details/triggers.md), [Action](/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/object-types/object-type-details/actions.md) or Send to Agent node in another flow.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.contextual.io/documentation-and-resources/components-and-data/agents/scale-and-performance/flow-execution.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
