AI SDK

What is AI SDK?

AI SDK is an open-source TypeScript toolkit for developers building AI applications and agents. It provides a unified layer for working with more than 100 models across 16 providers, reducing provider-specific integration work while keeping applications portable. The toolkit is framework-agnostic and supports React, Next.js, Vue, Svelte, Node.js, and other JavaScript environments.

AI SDK Core covers server-side generation, structured data, tool calling, agents, and multimodal inputs and outputs. AI SDK UI adds hooks for chat and generative interfaces. The wider ecosystem includes development tools, reusable interface elements, an AI gateway, sandboxed execution, workflows, and starter templates.

How to Use AI SDK

1. Install the package with npm install ai.
2. Select a supported model and provider for the application.
3. Use AI SDK Core APIs such as text generation, structured output, or tool calling in server-side code.
4. Add AI SDK UI hooks when the product needs a chat or generative interface.
5. Test model behavior and inspect calls with the available development tools before deployment.

Core Features

• Unified model API: Uses one TypeScript interface across supported model providers.
• Agent building blocks: Supports tool calls, multi-step agents, structured objects, and error handling.
• Multimodal generation: Covers text, image, speech, and video capabilities where the selected model supports them.
• Framework support: Works with major JavaScript frameworks and server runtimes.
• Generative UI hooks: Provides client-side primitives for streaming chat and AI-driven interfaces.
• Developer ecosystem: Connects with AI Gateway, Sandbox, Workflows, AI Elements, and example templates.

Use Cases

• AI chat products: Developers build streaming assistants with model and provider flexibility.
• Tool-using agents: Engineering teams create agents that call application or external tools.
• Structured extraction: Applications turn model responses into validated objects for downstream workflows.
• Multimodal applications: Teams integrate supported text, image, speech, or video generation into products.
• Model portability: Developers switch or combine providers without rewriting the complete application layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AI SDK tied to Next.js?

No. It supports Next.js but is designed to work across React, Vue, Svelte, Node.js, and other JavaScript environments.

Is AI SDK open source?

Yes. The official site presents AI SDK as an open-source toolkit.