New Microsoft.Extensions.AI Preview: Streamlining AI Integration in .NET

The Microsoft.Extensions.AI toolkit offers a unified API for AI services, allowing developers to switch providers without code changes.

Microsoft is making it easier for .NET developers to integrate AI capabilities into their applications with the preview release of Microsoft.Extensions.AI. The new toolkit aims to standardize AI development within .NET by offering a unified API that supports a range of AI services, from language models to middleware. It is part of Microsoft’s push to simplify the process of adding AI features without getting tied to a specific provider.

Unifying AI Services with a Single API

The standout feature of Microsoft.Extensions.AI is its ability to bring various AI services under a consistent set of APIs. It provides developers with the flexibility to connect their applications to different providers, like OpenAI, Azure AI Inference, and Ollama, without having to refactor their code for each one. Microsoft explains the consistency across services means that switching providers or experimenting with new AI models doesn’t come with the usual technical headaches.

The toolkit’s modular design also means developers can gradually add features like caching, telemetry, and other middleware as needed. By making AI capabilities more accessible, Microsoft aims to lower the barrier for teams wanting to implement intelligent features into their .NET applications.

Targeting Broader Use in the .NET Community

Microsoft is not stopping at releasing the libraries. Plans are in place to integrate Microsoft.Extensions.AI with Semantic Kernel, an open-source library designed to simplify language model development. The integration aims to make the toolkit the backbone for AI projects built on .NET, potentially shaping it into a standard for developers working with language models.

Microsoft is also updating sample projects, such as eShop, to demonstrate how Microsoft.Extensions.AI can be used in practical scenarios. These examples aim to show developers how to get started quickly and see the benefits of using a consistent AI integration approach.

Flexibility Through Abstraction Layers

With Microsoft.Extensions.AI, developers can focus on building applications rather than worrying about service-specific details. The toolkit abstracts the complexities involved in integrating different AI services, enabling teams to work within a unified programming environment. Whether they’re switching between AI models or trying new providers, the process becomes a lot smoother thanks to this abstraction.

Libraries also present an opportunity for library authors who build on top of Microsoft.Extensions.AI. By implementing its interfaces in their NuGet packages, they can offer developers the freedom to choose different AI services without rewriting existing code. The toolkit’s design aims to make AI more practical and adaptable for a wide range of projects.

Previewing Through the .NET 9 Release

Microsoft has made it clear that the toolkit will remain in preview until .NET 9 is officially released in November. During this period, the company plans to collect feedback and refine the libraries to better meet developers’ needs. This phase is seen as an opportunity to ensure the APIs are polished and ready for widespread adoption when .NET 9 goes live.

The preview release marks an important step in making AI integration less of a hassle for .NET developers, offering them a more uniform approach to working with different AI tools and services.

Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:36 pm CET

SourceMicrosoft
Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about Microsoft and the wider tech industry for over 10 years. With a degree in creative and professional writing, Luke looks for the interesting spin when covering AI, Windows, Xbox, and more.

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