OpenAI Agents SDK
Lightweight Python framework for multi-agent systems. Agent handoffs, tool use, guardrails, tracing. Successor to the experimental Swarm project.
The OpenAI Agents SDK (the production successor to Swarm) is a minimal Python framework for building multi-agent systems. Core concepts: Agents (an LLM + instructions + tools), Handoffs (agents delegating to specialists), Guardrails (input/output validation), and Tracing (built-in observability). It's deliberately lightweight - no heavy abstractions or state management. You define agents as simple Python objects, wire them together with handoffs, and the SDK handles the orchestration. It works with any OpenAI model and supports streaming. Good for building customer service bots, research agents, and workflow automation.
Similar Tools
CrewAI
Multi-agent orchestration framework. Define agents with roles, goals, and tools, then assign them tasks in a crew. Python-based. Great for complex workflows.
Claude Agent SDK
Anthropic's Python SDK for building production agent systems. Tool use, guardrails, agent handoffs, and orchestration. Released alongside Claude 4.
LangChain / LangGraph
Most popular LLM framework. 100K+ GitHub stars. Chains, RAG, vector stores, tool use. LangGraph adds stateful multi-agent workflows with cycles and persistence.
Vercel AI SDK
The TypeScript toolkit for building AI apps. Unified API across OpenAI, Anthropic, Google. Streaming, tool calling, structured output, multi-step agents. 50K+ GitHub stars.
Get started with OpenAI Agents SDK
Lightweight Python framework for multi-agent systems. Agent handoffs, tool use, guardrails, tracing. Successor to the experimental Swarm project.
Try OpenAI Agents SDKGet weekly tool reviews
Honest takes on AI dev tools, frameworks, and infrastructure - delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe FreeMore AI Frameworks Tools
Vercel AI SDK
The TypeScript toolkit for building AI apps. Unified API across OpenAI, Anthropic, Google. Streaming, tool calling, structured output, multi-step agents. 50K+ GitHub stars.
Claude Agent SDK
Anthropic's Python SDK for building production agent systems. Tool use, guardrails, agent handoffs, and orchestration. Released alongside Claude 4.
LangChain / LangGraph
Most popular LLM framework. 100K+ GitHub stars. Chains, RAG, vector stores, tool use. LangGraph adds stateful multi-agent workflows with cycles and persistence.
Related Guides
Claude Code Setup Guide
Configure Claude Code for maximum productivity -- CLAUDE.md, sub-agents, MCP servers, and autonomous workflows.
AI AgentsMCP Servers Explained
What MCP servers are, how they work, and how to build your own in 5 minutes.
AI AgentsGetting Started with DevDigest CLI
Install the dd CLI and scaffold your first AI-powered app in under a minute.
Getting StartedRelated Posts

OpenAI's GPT 5.4 in 10 Minutes
State-of-the-art computer use, steerable thinking you can redirect mid-response, and a million tokens of context. GPT 5....

Anthropic vs OpenAI: Developer Experience Compared
Two platforms, two philosophies. Here is how Anthropic and OpenAI compare on APIs, SDKs, documentation, pricing, and the...

Astral Joins OpenAI: What It Means for Python Developers
The creators of Ruff and uv are joining OpenAI. Here is what this means for the Python ecosystem, AI tooling, and why Op...
