.NET AI with Semantic Kernel

What You'll Learn

• Set up and configure Semantic Kernel with Azure OpenAI
• Build reusable plugins with KernelFunction
• Implement vector store memory for long-term context
• Orchestrate multi-step AI workflows
• Apply production patterns: error handling, retries, and telemetry

Prerequisites

• C# and .NET 8+
• Basic understanding of AI concepts (see AI Foundations path)
• Azure OpenAI or OpenAI API access

Learning Path Articles

1. 1

   What Is Semantic Kernel? C# Guide

   Understand Semantic Kernel for .NET: what it does, when to use it, and how C# developers build plugins, memory, and tool calling.

   Beginner 12 min read university
2. 2

   Semantic Kernel .NET Setup: 30-Minute Guide

   Set up Semantic Kernel in .NET: NuGet install, Azure OpenAI config, streaming chat, plugins, and function calling in one working C# app.

   Beginner 14 min read workshop
3. 3

   Semantic Kernel Plugins in C#: Tool Calling

   Build Semantic Kernel plugins in C# with KernelFunction, DI, and auto function calling. Turn your methods into reusable AI tools.

   Intermediate 14 min read university
4. 4

   Semantic Kernel Memory + Vector Stores: Azure AI Search & Cosmos DB in C#

   Connect Semantic Kernel to Azure AI Search and Cosmos DB for RAG. Three memory levels, embedding setup, and vector store connectors in C#.

   Intermediate 11 min read university
5. 5

   Semantic Kernel Filters: Add Caching, Logging & Safety to AI Calls in C#

   Implement IFunctionInvocationFilter, IPromptRenderFilter, and IAutoFunctionInvocationFilter in C#. Cache AI responses, log token usage, detect prompt injection.

   Intermediate 14 min read university
6. 6

   Migrate Semantic Kernel Agents → Microsoft Agent Framework (.NET)

   Side-by-side migration guide: Semantic Kernel Agents to Microsoft Agent Framework in .NET. What transfers directly, what changes, and when to migrate.

   Advanced 14 min read university
7. 7

   Semantic Kernel Planners Deprecated: C# Fix

   Migrate deprecated Semantic Kernel planners to FunctionChoiceBehavior.Auto in C#. Includes before/after code, filters, and circuit breaking.

   Intermediate 13 min read university
8. 8

   Semantic Kernel ChatHistory: C# Token Fix

   Manage Semantic Kernel ChatHistory in C#. Use sliding windows, summarization, token-aware truncation, and Cosmos DB persistence.

   Intermediate 14 min read university
9. 9

   Semantic Kernel Streaming in C#: Token Fix

   Stream Semantic Kernel responses in C#. Compare streaming APIs, track tokens, handle content filters, and wire Blazor Server streaming.

   Intermediate 13 min read university