3.2.1. Introduction to the AUT agent
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### 3.2.1. Introduction to the AUT agent

The AUT Agent is the server component. It runs on the same machine as the AUT and allows the ITE to communicate with the AUT and control it during test execution. You must be connected to a running AUT Agent in order to be able to perform object mapping, to observe tests, and to execute tests.

There are two options for working with an AUT Agent:

- You can connect to an embedded AUT Agent that does not have to be started in advance (Section 3.2.3, “Connecting to the AUT Agent”). This option is only available if you are starting your AUT on the same machine as the ITE. It can also be used with the test executor: the testexec can start an embedded AUT Agent for use during the test.

- You can start an AUT Agent on a machine (local or remote) and connect to it using the ITE or the Test Executor (Section 3.2.2, “Starting the AUT Agent”).