smolagents
Python · Apache-2.0
smolagents is a lightweight agent framework from Hugging Face for quickly building tool-using LLM agents.
agenthuggingfacetoolspython
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Overview
smolagents vs AutoGen: lightweight vs enterprise agent framework
smolagents (Hugging Face, 28k+ stars, Apache-2.0) is a minimal agent framework with ~1,000 lines of core code, where agents write actions as Python code rather than JSON. AutoGen (Microsoft, 60k+ stars) is a framework for building multi-agent AI apps, now in maintenance mode (new users directed to Microsoft Agent Framework). We compare architecture philosophy, agent types, code execution, multi-agent support, and typical scenarios.
Projects Compared
AutoGen
Python · CC-BY-4.0
Microsoft AutoGen is a multi-agent conversation framework that lets you create multiple agents to collaborate through dialogue and solve complex tasks.
multi-agentconversationmicrosoftpython
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Feature Comparison
| Best for | smolagents | AutoGen |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture philosophy | Minimalist: ~1,000 lines of core logic (agents.py). Agents write actions as Python code (CodeAgent), inspired by the CodeAct paper (huggingface.co/papers/2402.01030), and use fewer steps than JSON tool calls on some benchmarks. Model-agnostic plus tool-agnostic. | Enterprise framework with high-level APIs (AgentChat, GroupChat). Now in maintenance mode; new users directed to Microsoft Agent Framework. Code is MIT; documentation CC-BY-4.0. |
| Agent types | CodeAgent (Python code actions) and ToolCallingAgent (JSON tool calls). Switchable modes. Supports MCP / LangChain / Hub Spaces tools. | AgentChat (two-agent chat), GroupChat (group chat), AgentTool (agent as tool call). Multiple multi-agent patterns. |
| Code execution | CodeAgent auto-generates and executes Python code. Sandboxed execution via E2B / Blaxel / Modal / Docker. Secure isolation. | Agent execution depends on the user environment. No built-in sandbox. Security configuration is the user's responsibility. |
| Multi-agent support | Supports multi-agent collaboration but is not a core design focus. Primarily through Hub sharing and agent invocation. | Core feature: AgentChat for two-agent dialogue, GroupChat for group chat, AgentTool for hierarchical invocation. Rich multi-agent orchestration patterns. |
| Best fit | Rapid experimentation, teaching, single-agent tasks, HuggingFace ecosystem users, scenarios needing code-level agent control. | Multi-agent collaboration, complex dialogue flows, research experiments, teams with existing AutoGen codebases. |
GitHub Stats
| Metric | smolagents | AutoGen |
|---|---|---|
| Stars | 28.8k | 60.5k |
| Forks | 2.9k | 9.1k |
| Language | Python | Python |
| License | Apache-2.0 | CC-BY-4.0 |
| Last commit | July 21, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose based on your primary workflow, language ecosystem, and integration needs. Review each project's documentation and recent GitHub activity before adopting it in production.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for beginners: smolagents or AutoGen?
smolagents is simpler: ~1,000 lines of core logic, fewer concepts, quick to learn. AutoGen is more feature-rich but has a steeper learning curve and is now in maintenance mode.
What does AutoGen maintenance mode mean?
Microsoft is no longer actively developing AutoGen, directing new users to Microsoft Agent Framework. Existing AutoGen code still works but will not get new features.
How is CodeAgent better than JSON tool calls?
CodeAgent writes Python code as actions (inspired by the CodeAct paper huggingface.co/papers/2402.01030), using fewer steps on some benchmarks and performing better on complex tasks. The trend is validated by the companion paper huggingface.co/papers/2411.01747.
Can I use both together?
Technically possible, but their design philosophies differ: smolagents is minimalist single-agent, AutoGen is enterprise multi-agent. Pick one based on your scenario.