---
layout: commands
page_title: 'Commands: Agent'
description: >-
  The `consul agent` command is the heart of Consul: it runs the agent that
  performs the important task of maintaining membership information, running
  checks, announcing services, handling queries, etc.
---

# Consul Agent

The `consul agent` command is the heart of Consul: it runs the agent that
performs the important task of maintaining membership information,
running checks, announcing services, handling queries, etc.

Due to the power and flexibility of this command, the Consul agent
is documented in its own section. See the [Consul Agent](/docs/agent/basics)
section for more information on how to use this command and the
options it has.
