An exemplary method for using a virtual assistant may include, at an electronic device configured to transmit and receive data, receiving a user request for a service from a virtual assistant; determining at least one task to perform in response to the user request; estimating at least one performance characteristic for completion of the at least one task with the electronic device, based on at least one heuristic; based on the estimating, determining whether to execute the at least one task at the electronic device; in accordance with a determination to execute the at least one task at the electronic device, causing the execution of the at least one task at the electronic device; in accordance with a determination to execute the at least one task outside the electronic device: generating executable code for carrying out the least one task; and transmitting the executable code from the electronic device.