ai-agents-for-beginners

🔍 Di way wey Microsoft Agent Framework dey work - Basic Agent (.NET)

📋 Wetin you go learn

Dis example go show you di basic tori dem of Microsoft Agent Framework through basic agent wey dem implement for .NET. You go sabi core agent way dem dey run and understand how intelligent agents dey work under di hood using C# and di .NET system.

Wetin you go discover

🎯 Key Concepts Wey Dem Cover

Agentic Framework Principles

Technical Components

🔧 Technical Stack

Core Technologies

Agent Capabilities

📚 Framework Comparison

Dis example dey show how Microsoft Agent Framework take work compared to other agent frameworks:

Feature Microsoft Agent Framework Other Frameworks
Integration Di Microsoft ecosystem wey natife Different different compatibility
Simplicity Clean, easy to understand API E dey get complex setup sometimes
Extensibility E easy to add tools E depend on which framework
Enterprise Ready E build for production E depend on di framework

🚀 How to Start

Wetin you need first

Environment Variables Wey You Need

# zsh/bash
export AZURE_OPENAI_ENDPOINT=https://<your-resource>.openai.azure.com
export AZURE_OPENAI_DEPLOYMENT=gpt-4.1-mini
# Den sign in make AzureCliCredential fit get token
az login
# PowerShell
$env:AZURE_OPENAI_ENDPOINT = "https://<your-resource>.openai.azure.com"
$env:AZURE_OPENAI_DEPLOYMENT = "gpt-4.1-mini"
# Den sign in make AzureCliCredential fit get token
az login

Sample Code

To run di code example,

# zsh/bash
chmod +x ./02-dotnet-agent-framework.cs
./02-dotnet-agent-framework.cs

Or use di dotnet CLI:

dotnet run ./02-dotnet-agent-framework.cs

Look 02-dotnet-agent-framework.cs for di full code.

#!/usr/bin/dotnet run

#:package Microsoft.Extensions.AI@10.*
#:package Microsoft.Agents.AI.OpenAI@1.*-*
#:package Azure.AI.OpenAI@2.1.0
#:package Azure.Identity@1.13.1

using System.ComponentModel;

using Microsoft.Agents.AI;
using Microsoft.Extensions.AI;

using Azure.AI.OpenAI;
using Azure.Identity;

// Tool Function: Random Destination Generator
// This static method will be available to the agent as a callable tool
// The [Description] attribute helps the AI understand when to use this function
// This demonstrates how to create custom tools for AI agents
[Description("Provides a random vacation destination.")]
static string GetRandomDestination()
{
    // List of popular vacation destinations around the world
    // The agent will randomly select from these options
    var destinations = new List<string>
    {
        "Paris, France",
        "Tokyo, Japan",
        "New York City, USA",
        "Sydney, Australia",
        "Rome, Italy",
        "Barcelona, Spain",
        "Cape Town, South Africa",
        "Rio de Janeiro, Brazil",
        "Bangkok, Thailand",
        "Vancouver, Canada"
    };

    // Generate random index and return selected destination
    // Uses System.Random for simple random selection
    var random = new Random();
    int index = random.Next(destinations.Count);
    return destinations[index];
}

// Azure OpenAI with the Responses API (stable v1 endpoint). Sign in with `az login`.
var azureEndpoint = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("AZURE_OPENAI_ENDPOINT")
    ?? throw new InvalidOperationException("AZURE_OPENAI_ENDPOINT is not set.");
var deployment = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("AZURE_OPENAI_DEPLOYMENT") ?? "gpt-4.1-mini";

var azureClient = new AzureOpenAIClient(new Uri(azureEndpoint), new AzureCliCredential());

// Define Agent Identity and Comprehensive Instructions
// Agent name for identification and logging purposes
var AGENT_NAME = "TravelAgent";

// Detailed instructions that define the agent's personality, capabilities, and behavior
// This system prompt shapes how the agent responds and interacts with users
var AGENT_INSTRUCTIONS = """
You are a helpful AI Agent that can help plan vacations for customers.

Important: When users specify a destination, always plan for that location. Only suggest random destinations when the user hasn't specified a preference.

When the conversation begins, introduce yourself with this message:
"Hello! I'm your TravelAgent assistant. I can help plan vacations and suggest interesting destinations for you. Here are some things you can ask me:
1. Plan a day trip to a specific location
2. Suggest a random vacation destination
3. Find destinations with specific features (beaches, mountains, historical sites, etc.)
4. Plan an alternative trip if you don't like my first suggestion

What kind of trip would you like me to help you plan today?"

Always prioritize user preferences. If they mention a specific destination like "Bali" or "Paris," focus your planning on that location rather than suggesting alternatives.
""";

// Create AI Agent with Advanced Travel Planning Capabilities
// Get the Responses client for the deployment and create the AI agent
// Configure agent with name, detailed instructions, and available tools
// This demonstrates the .NET agent creation pattern with full configuration
AIAgent agent = azureClient
    .GetChatClient(deployment)
    .AsAIAgent(
        name: AGENT_NAME,
        instructions: AGENT_INSTRUCTIONS,
        tools: [AIFunctionFactory.Create(GetRandomDestination)]
    );

// Create New Session for Context Management.
// Initialize a new conversation session to maintain context across multiple interactions
// Sessions enable the agent to remember previous exchanges and maintain conversational state
// This is essential for multi-turn conversations and contextual understanding
AgentSession session = await agent.CreateSessionAsync();

// Execute Agent: First Travel Planning Request
// Run the agent with an initial request that will likely trigger the random destination tool
// The agent will analyze the request, use the GetRandomDestination tool, and create an itinerary
// Using the session parameter maintains conversation context for subsequent interactions
await foreach (var update in agent.RunStreamingAsync("Plan me a day trip", session))
{
    await Task.Delay(10);
    Console.Write(update);
}

Console.WriteLine();

// Execute Agent: Follow-up Request with Context Awareness
// Demonstrate contextual conversation by referencing the previous response
// The agent remembers the previous destination suggestion and will provide an alternative
// This showcases the power of conversation sessions and contextual understanding in .NET agents
await foreach (var update in agent.RunStreamingAsync("I don't like that destination. Plan me another vacation.", session))
{
    await Task.Delay(10);
    Console.Write(update);
}

🎓 Main Things Wey Dem Take Learn

  1. Agent Architecture: Microsoft Agent Framework dey give clean and type-safe way to build AI agents for .NET
  2. Tool Integration: Functions dem wey get [Description] attributes dey become available tools for the agent
  3. Conversation Context: Session management fit manage plenty-turn conversation with full context
  4. Configuration Management: Environment variables and secure credential handlings dey follow .NET best way dem
  5. Azure OpenAI Responses API: Agent dey use Azure OpenAI Responses API through Azure.AI.OpenAI SDK

🔗 Extra Resources


Disclaimer: Dis document don translate wit AI translation service Co-op Translator. Even tho we dey try make am correct, abeg make you know say automated translation fit get errors or mistakes. Di original document for dia own language na im be di correct source. For important info, make person wey sabi human translation do am. We no go responsible for any misunderstanding or wrong understanding wey fit happen because of dis translation.