microsoft agent framework

Author's original introduction

Create, update, refactor, explain, or review Microsoft Agent Framework solutions using shared guidance plus language-specific references for .NET and Python.

SkillPi interpretation

Tasks

microsoft agent framework

Audience

Use the scenarios stated in the author's introduction.

Inputs and outputs

See the complete author document; outputs have not been runtime verified by SkillPi.

Software, accounts and paid services

Check required software, accounts, costs and permissions in the full document; confirm and authorize actual file access and external services in your host. Domains referenced in the documents (not a runtime allowlist): github.com, learn.microsoft.com

Limits and differences

Functionality, version status and outcome statements in the introduction are author claims. Only pinned source and static attachment evidence were checked; runtime behavior, external services and compatibility are not guaranteed.

Testing

Not tested

Security rating and access scope

caution · Static evidence review; not a runtime safety guarantee.

Check required software, accounts, costs and permissions in the full document; confirm and authorize actual file access and external services in your host. Domains referenced in the documents (not a runtime allowlist): github.com, learn.microsoft.com

Before use, confirm and authorize actual file access, external services and network destinations in your host. This review grants no runtime permissions.

Original SKILL.md

---
name: microsoft-agent-framework
description: 'Create, update, refactor, explain, or review Microsoft Agent Framework solutions using shared guidance plus language-specific references for .NET and Python.'
---

# Microsoft Agent Framework

Use this skill when working with applications, agents, workflows, or migrations built on Microsoft Agent Framework.

Microsoft Agent Framework is the unified successor to Semantic Kernel and AutoGen, combining their strengths with new capabilities. Because it is still in public preview and changes quickly, always ground implementation advice in the latest official documentation and samples rather than relying on stale knowledge.

## Determine the target language first

Choose the language workflow before making recommendations or code changes:

1. Use the **.NET** workflow when the repository contains `.cs`, `.csproj`, `.sln`, `.slnx`, or other .NET project files, or when the user explicitly asks for C# or .NET guidance. Follow [references/dotnet.md](references/dotnet.md).
2. Use the **Python** workflow when the repository contains `.py`, `pyproject.toml`, `requirements.txt`, or the user explicitly asks for Python guidance. Follow [references/python.md](references/python.md).
3. If the repository contains both ecosystems, match the language used by the files being edited or the user's stated target.
4. If the language is ambiguous, inspect the current workspace first and then choose the closest language-specific reference.

## Always consult live documentation

- Read the Microsoft Agent Framework overview first: <https://learn.microsoft.com/agent-framework/overview/agent-framework-overview>
- Prefer official docs and samples for the current API surface.
- Use the Microsoft Docs MCP tooling when available to fetch up-to-date framework guidance and examples.
- Treat older Semantic Kernel or AutoGen patterns as migration inputs, not as the default implementation model.

## Shared guidance

When working with Microsoft Agent Framework in any language:

- Use async patterns for agent and workflow operations.
- Implement explicit error handling and logging.
- Prefer strong typing, clear interfaces, and maintainable composition patterns.
- Use `DefaultAzureCredential` when Azure authentication is appropriate.
- Use agents for autonomous decision-making, ad hoc planning, conversation flows, tool usage, and MCP server interactions.
- Use workflows for multi-step orchestration, predefined execution graphs, long-running tasks, and human-in-the-loop scenarios.
- Support model providers such as Azure AI Foundry, Azure OpenAI, OpenAI, and others, but prefer Azure AI Foundry services for new projects when that matches user needs.
- Use thread-based or equivalent state handling, context providers, middleware, checkpointing, routing, and orchestration patterns when they fit the problem.

## Migration guidance

- If migrating from Semantic Kernel, use the official migration guide: <https://learn.microsoft.com/agent-framework/migration-guide/from-semantic-kernel/>
- If migrating from AutoGen, use the official migration guide: <https://learn.microsoft.com/agent-framework/migration-guide/from-autogen/>
- Preserve behavior first, then adopt native Agent Framework patterns incrementally.

## Workflow

1. Determine the target language and read the matching reference file.
2. Fetch the latest official docs and samples before making implementation choices.
3. Apply the shared agent and workflow guidance from this skill.
4. Use the language-specific package, repository, sample paths, and coding practices from the chosen reference.
5. When examples in the repo differ from current docs, explain the difference and follow the current supported pattern.

## References

- [.NET reference](references/dotnet.md)
- [Python reference](references/python.md)

## Completion criteria

- Recommendations match the target language.
- Package names, repository paths, and sample locations match the selected ecosystem.
- Guidance reflects current Microsoft Agent Framework documentation rather than legacy assumptions.
- Migration advice calls out Semantic Kernel and AutoGen only when relevant.

Copyright and license notice

MIT License

Copyright GitHub, Inc.

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:

The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
copies or substantial portions of the Software.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
SOFTWARE.