# Semantic Kernel

Build AI-enabled .NET applications with Semantic Kernel using services, plugins...

- Repository: https://github.com/managedcode/dotnet-skills (500 stars)
- Category: Testing
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-29
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add managedcode/dotnet-skills --skill semantic-kernel -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add managedcode/dotnet-skills --skill semantic-kernel -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add managedcode/dotnet-skills --skill semantic-kernel -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add managedcode/dotnet-skills --skill semantic-kernel -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Build AI-enabled .NET applications with Semantic Kernel using services, plugins, prompts, and function-calling patterns that remain testable and maintainable. USE FOR: adding AI-driven prompts, plugins, or orchestration to a .NET app; reviewing kernel construction, service registration, or plugin usage; building function-calling. DO NOT USE FOR: unrelated stacks; generic tasks that do not need this specific guidance. INVOKES: inspect the repository context, edit targeted files, and run relevant build, test, lint, or validation commands when changes are made.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Semantic Kernel for .NET

## Trigger On

- adding AI-driven prompts, plugins, or orchestration to a .NET app
- reviewing kernel construction, service registration, or plugin usage
- building function-calling patterns with LLMs
- migrating older Semantic Kernel code to current APIs

## Documentation

- [Semantic Kernel Overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/overview/)
- [Plugins and Functions](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/concepts/plugins/)
- [Agent Functions](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/frameworks/agent/agent-functions)
- [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/microsoft/semantic-kernel)
- [Semantic Kernel .NET 1.80.1 release](https://github.com/microsoft/semantic-kernel/releases/tag/dotnet-1.80.1)
- [Microsoft Agent Framework](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/semantic-kernel/frameworks/agent/)

### References

- [patterns.md](references/patterns.md) - Plugin patterns, function calling patterns, multi-agent patterns, prompt templates, and RAG patterns
- [anti-patterns.md](references/anti-patterns.md) - Common Semantic Kernel mistakes and how to avoid them

## Core Concepts

| Concept | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| **Kernel** | Central orchestrator for AI services and plugins |
| **Plugin** | Collection of functions exposed to the LLM |
| **Function** | Native C# method or prompt template |
| **Chat Completion** | LLM service for generating responses |
| **Memory** | Vector storage for semantic search |

## Workflow

The rest: https://github.com/managedcode/dotnet-skills/blob/HEAD/catalog/Frameworks/Semantic-Kernel/skills/semantic-kernel/SKILL.md