Microsoft Agent Framework

Microsoft Agent Framework is an open-source SDK for developers building AI agents and multi-agent workflows. It connects language models to tools and gives teams control over how agents and functions work together. Python and .NET are supported, with a separate Go SDK in public preview.

Key Highlights

• Agents that call tools and MCP servers
• Model providers including Microsoft Foundry, OpenAI and Ollama
• Graph-based workflows with explicit execution paths
• Sessions, memory context providers and middleware
• State management for long-running and human-in-the-loop tasks

What Makes It Different

Created by the teams behind AutoGen and Semantic Kernel, it combines AutoGen's agent abstractions with Semantic Kernel's session state, type safety and telemetry. Graph-based workflows add explicit control over multi-agent execution. Microsoft provides migration guides for developers moving from either project.

Features & Capabilities

Connect a model client, give an agent instructions and tools, then run it. Use sessions to maintain conversation state, context providers to supply memory, and middleware to intercept agent actions.

The Harness Agent adds planning, task tracking and context compaction for longer jobs. Use workflows when a process has defined steps or needs several agents and functions to coordinate. Open-ended conversations can use an agent on its own.

User Ratings and Testimonials

The Go SDK is in public preview and lacks RAG, declarative agents and functional workflows. Evaluate capabilities for the language you use. Developers remain responsible for testing reliability, managing data boundaries and implementing AI safeguards.

Pricing & Value

• Framework code: Free under the MIT license, including permission to modify and distribute it subject to the license terms.
• Models and services: Provider usage and associated service costs are separate from the SDK license. Budget for the model calls and infrastructure your application uses.

The free option is the open-source SDK. Choose model providers and hosting separately when planning operating costs.