Open-source SDK that succeeds AutoGen and Semantic Kernel. It is used to build agents and graph-based multi-agent workflows, with support for tools, memory, session state and human-in-the-loop steps.
Also called Agent Framework.
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Terms in this definition
- SDK
Software development kit: client libraries, for example the Key Vault SDK or Speech SDK, that let code use a service without calling its REST API directly.
- AutoGen
Multi-agent framework from Microsoft Research, known for patterns like GroupChat, now succeeded by Microsoft Agent Framework.
- Semantic Kernel
Microsoft's earlier SDK for coordinating models, agents and plugins; Microsoft Agent Framework has now taken its place.
- State
A parameter in OAuth that carries custom data through the authorisation flow and back, as with the "Support state parameter" option in APIM.
Related terms
- Foundry workflows
Preview Foundry feature that orchestrates agents and logic in a fixed, declarative order, supporting variables, if/else branches and human-in-the-loop steps. Workflows are being retired on 1 December 2026 and Agent Framework replaces them.
- Prompt flow
Tool in Foundry and Azure Machine Learning for assembling LLM applications as graphs of nodes (LLM, prompt and Python tools), with variants and evaluation. Microsoft Agent Framework is replacing it as it is retired.