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Semantic Kernel

AI-ASSISTANTS
Velocity3.8

Microsoft SDK for integrating large language models into apps with plugins and planning.

learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel ↗

Semantic Kernel is in steady maintenance while flagging Microsoft Agent Framework as its successor.

agent-frameworksecurity-hardeningfunction-callingmcpmaintenancesuccessor-migration
◆Current state
Semantic Kernel ships parallel Python and .NET point releases on a roughly biweekly cadence. The bulk of recent work is security hardening (OpenAPI/HTTP/SQL/path validation), dependency upgrades, and function-calling consistency fixes rather than new capability. Notably, the READMEs now carry a Microsoft Agent Framework successor callout.
◆Where it's heading
The direction is consolidation and stabilization, not expansion: function-choice-behavior parity across agents, OpenAPI parsing changes, MCP improvements, and broad plugin hardening. The explicit successor messaging to the Microsoft Agent Framework signals SK is becoming a stable, maintained base while net-new agent investment shifts to that framework.
◆Prediction
Expect continued security and dependency maintenance with incremental agent/MCP fixes, while strategic agent features land in the Agent Framework rather than SK.

◆Recent moves

  1. 18d ago

    python-1.43.1

    Python 1.43.1 adds function_choice_behavior support to Azure AI and OpenAI Assistant agents, hardens OpenAPI path handling, and fixes MessagePack.

    View source ↗
  2. 1mo ago

    python-1.43.0

    Python 1.43.0 improves function-call invocation parameter consistency and makes a breaking change to OpenAPI document parsing options.

    View source ↗
  3. 1mo ago

    dotnet-1.77.0

    .NET 1.77.0 enables default-on server URL validation for OpenAPI plugins, updates the SK-to-Agent-Framework migration samples, and pins SharpCompress to fix a vulnerability.

    View source ↗
  4. 1mo ago

    Python 1.42.0 adds Microsoft Agent Framework successor callout

    ⚡ SPARK

    Python 1.42.0 adds an explicit Microsoft Agent Framework successor callout to the READMEs alongside MCP improvements, security hardening, and a large batch of dependency bumps.

    View source ↗
  5. 1mo ago

    dotnet-1.76.0

    .NET 1.76.0 is hardening-focused: path validation across CloudDrive/Document/gRPC plugins, deny-by-default upload directories, plus ImageContent support in tool/function results.

    View source ↗
  6. 2mo ago

    dotnet-1.75.0

    .NET 1.75.0 is a broad security and dependency-hardening release: SQL/Redis escaping, URL allowlist validation, step-type validation, and assorted connector fixes.

    View source ↗