Definition
Semantic Kernel is an open-source SDK that orchestrates Large Language Models (LLMs) by integrating them with traditional code through a 'kernel' that manages plugins, memory, and planners. It offers a structured approach to building AI agents, though it introduces architectural complexity compared to lighter libraries and is heavily opinionated toward enterprise-grade modularity.
Not a low-level operating system component, but a middleware orchestration layer for AI application logic.
"A Swiss Army Knife with interchangeable blades (Plugins) where the user (LLM) decides which tool to deploy based on the task at hand."
- Planner(Component)
- Function Calling(Prerequisite)
- Plugins(Component)
- Orchestration Layer(Category)
Conceptual Overview
Semantic Kernel is an open-source SDK that orchestrates Large Language Models (LLMs) by integrating them with traditional code through a 'kernel' that manages plugins, memory, and planners. It offers a structured approach to building AI agents, though it introduces architectural complexity compared to lighter libraries and is heavily opinionated toward enterprise-grade modularity.
Disambiguation
Not a low-level operating system component, but a middleware orchestration layer for AI application logic.
Visual Analog
A Swiss Army Knife with interchangeable blades (Plugins) where the user (LLM) decides which tool to deploy based on the task at hand.