Open Source Agentic AI Frameworks: Build Your Own Agents
Manas Takalpati
Founder, Blue Orchid
If you want to build AI agents beyond what off-the-shelf tools provide, you need a framework. Here's what's available and when to use each.
The Frameworks
Claude Code SDK
Best for: Development agents and code-centric automation
Anthropic's SDK for building agents powered by Claude. Direct access to the same agent loop that powers Claude Code.
- Built-in tool use (file system, bash, search)
- Conversation management and context handling
- TypeScript and Python support
- Production-grade with Anthropic's infrastructure
Use when you're building development tools or automation that needs reliable code generation.
LangGraph (LangChain)
Best for: Complex stateful workflows
Graph-based agent framework. Define agent behavior as a state machine with nodes and edges.
- Explicit state management
- Branching and conditional logic
- Human-in-the-loop support
- Large ecosystem of integrations
Use when your agent has complex branching logic and you need fine-grained control over the flow.
CrewAI
Best for: Multi-agent teams
Framework for orchestrating multiple AI agents that work together. Define roles, goals, and collaboration patterns.
- Role-based agent definition
- Task delegation between agents
- Built-in memory and context sharing
- Simple Python API
Use when you need multiple specialized agents collaborating on a shared goal.
AutoGen (Microsoft)
Best for: Research and experimentation
Multi-agent conversation framework. Agents communicate through messages.
- Flexible agent-to-agent communication
- Code execution sandbox
- Group chat patterns
- Active research community
Use for experimenting with multi-agent patterns and academic research.
Comparison
| Framework | Complexity | Multi-Agent | Production-Ready | Language | |-----------|-----------|------------|-----------------|----------| | Claude Code SDK | Low | Via subagents | Yes | TS/Python | | LangGraph | High | Yes | Yes | Python | | CrewAI | Medium | Core feature | Growing | Python | | AutoGen | Medium | Core feature | Experimental | Python |
When You Don't Need a Framework
Most solo builders don't need custom frameworks. Claude Code handles development agent tasks out of the box. Its plugin system and skills cover most customization needs.
Build your own agent only when:
- You need domain-specific tools Claude Code doesn't support
- Your workflow requires specific orchestration patterns
- You're building an agent product for end users
- You need integration with proprietary systems
Getting Started
- Start with Claude Code - Use it as-is. Understand agent patterns through usage.
- Customize with skills - Build Claude Code skills for your workflows.
- Explore the SDK - When skills aren't enough, build custom agents with the Claude Code SDK.
- Evaluate frameworks - Only when the SDK's patterns don't fit your use case.
For understanding the design patterns behind these frameworks, see AI Agent Design Patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
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