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Exploring Open-Source Agentic AI Frameworks: A Comparative Overview Most developers have heard of CrewAI and AutoGen, but fewer realize there are dozens of open-source agentic frameworks available—many released just in the past year. To understand how these frameworks work and how easy they are to use, several of the more popular options were briefly tested. This article explores what each one offers, comparing them to the more established CrewAI and AutoGen. The focus is on LangGraph, Agno, SmolAgents, Mastra, PydanticAI, and Atomic Agents, examining their features, design choices, and underlying philosophies. What Agentic AI Entails Agentic AI revolves around building systems that enable large language models (LLMs) to access accurate knowledge, process data, and take action. Essentially, it uses natural language to automate tasks and workflows. While natural language processing (NLP) for automation isn’t new, the key advancement is the level of autonomy now possible. LLMs can handle ambiguity, make dynamic decisions, and adapt to unstructured tasks—capabilities that were previously limited. However, just because LLMs understand language doesn’t mean they inherently grasp user intent or execute tasks reliably. This is where engineering comes into play—ensuring systems function predictably. For those new to the concept, deeper explanations of Agentic AI can be found here and here. The Role of Frameworks At their very core, agentic frameworks assist with prompt engineering and data routing to and from LLMs. They also provide abstractions that simplify development. Without a framework, developers would manually define system prompts, instructing the LLM to return structured responses (e.g., API calls to execute). The framework then parses these responses and routes them to the appropriate tools. Frameworks typically help in two ways: Additionally, they may assist with: However, some argue that full frameworks can be overkill. If an LLM misuses a tool or the system breaks, debugging becomes difficult due to abstraction layers. Switching models can also be problematic if prompts are tailored to a specific one. This is why some developers end up customizing framework components—such as create_react_agent in LangGraph—for finer control. Popular Frameworks The most well-known frameworks are CrewAI and AutoGen: LangGraph, while less mainstream, is a powerful choice for developers. It uses a graph-based approach, where nodes represent agents or workflows connected via edges. Unlike AutoGen, it emphasizes structured control over agent behavior, making it better suited for deterministic workflows. That said, some criticize LangGraph for overly complex abstractions and a steep learning curve. Emerging Frameworks Several newer frameworks are gaining traction: Common Features Most frameworks share core functionalities: Key Differences Frameworks vary in several areas: Abstraction vs. Control Frameworks differ in abstraction levels and developer control: They also vary in agent autonomy: Developer Experience Debugging challenges exist: Final Thoughts The best way to learn is to experiment. While this overview highlights key differences, factors like enterprise scalability and operational robustness require deeper evaluation. Some developers argue that agent frameworks introduce unnecessary complexity compared to raw SDK usage. However, for those building structured AI systems, these tools offer valuable scaffolding—if chosen wisely. Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more