Presented by dotnet, this session explains how software developers can use Microsoft Agent Framework's low-level primitives and composable workflow patterns for greater flexibility and control in system orchestration.

Demystifying Workflows with Microsoft Agent Framework

Presented by: dotnet

Overview

This session focuses on reclaiming control over how workflows are orchestrated within the Microsoft Agent Framework. Rather than relying solely on abstract, high-level shortcuts, developers are encouraged to utilize low-level primitives such as executors and edges.

Key Concepts

• Executors and Edges:
  • Executors are type-safe processing nodes.
  • Edges connect these nodes in a directed graph, explicitly managing data and decision routes.
• Designing Custom Orchestration:
  • Compose workflows using graphs instead of settling for fixed flow templates.
  • Build hybrids that combine sequential, concurrent, group chat, and handoff behaviors.

Workflow Patterns

• High-Level Shortcuts:
  • Patterns like sequential, concurrent, group chat, handoff, or magnetic orchestration are provided for rapid workflow design.
  • These patterns are composable, making it quick to get started while maintaining flexibility.
• Customizing for Control:
  • When specialized routing or domain-specific logic is needed, developers can interact directly with underlying executors and edges.
  • Facilitates the implementation of hybrid or domain-optimized processes that exceed the limits of standard patterns.

Takeaways

• You are not forced to choose between opaque high-level orchestration (“magic”) and fragile, handcrafted logic.
• Use high-level orchestration for speed and convenience, then selectively drop to low-level primitives for custom needs.
• Enables the mixing of various orchestration behaviors in a single, coherent workflow system.

Use Cases

• Scenarios requiring custom routing decisions based on real-time data.
• Building modular workflow components to support evolving business logic.
• Integrating multiple communication modalities in a workflow, such as group chat handoffs.

Conclusion

This approach empowers developers to make orchestration both flexible and robust, ensuring workflows built on Microsoft Agent Framework can evolve and scale as needed.