Microsoft.Extensions.AI: A unified platform for AI in .NET

With the new Microsoft.Extensions.AI library in preview version, Microsoft introduces an innovative toolkit that simplifies and unifies the integration of AI services into .NET applications. These abstractions, comprising Microsoft.Extensions.AI.Abstractions and Microsoft.Extensions.AI libraries, create a standardized interface to make common AI functions such as chat, embedding, and tool calls usable across platforms and regardless of the vendor. 

What is Microsoft.Extensions.AI? 

Microsoft.Extensions.AI provides abstractions for common AI services such as language models, embeddings, and middleware, creating a unified layer for interacting with various AI providers. This allows developers to flexibly and seamlessly integrate different AI services without being locked into a single vendor. The abstractions are based on the proven model of the Microsoft.Extensions libraries for logging and dependency injection, bringing the same benefits of reusability and modularity to the realm of AI. 

Benefits for developers 

The Microsoft.Extensions.AI library simplifies the development of AI applications in .NET through several key advantages: 

  • Unified APIThe API offers a consistent set of conventions and functions for integrating AI services. 
  • FlexibilityDevelopers can use their preferred AI services and switch between them flexibly. 
  • simplicityThanks to the unified abstractions, the handling of AI services is simplified, as a single API structure is used regardless of which service is used in an application. 
  • Component-based designThe abstractions promote a modular and testable architecture. 

 

Get started with Microsoft.Extensions.AI 

Microsoft.Extensions.AI is already available as a preview version and can be easily integrated into existing .NET projects. Developers can immediately begin implementing and experimenting with AI services in their applications. Microsoft plans to work closely with the .NET community and is working to integrate additional vendors and middleware components. 

Outlook: The future of Microsoft.Extensions.AI 

In the near future, Microsoft.Extensions.AI will form the basis for numerous .NET AI applications and libraries. The abstractions are continuously being developed and optimized in cooperation with the .NET team and the Semantic Kernel initiative to facilitate the use of AI technologies for all developers in the .NET ecosystem. Microsoft plans to further expand the library with the release of .NET 9.