agents/apiTHE ENCYCLOPEDIA
Foundations

What is the OpenAI Agents SDK?

Understand the application-side runner and how it differs from a managed Agents API session.

Your runtime
SDK runner
Model & tools
Handoffs
Application result

A library inside your application

The Agents SDK provides a runner for an agent loop and handoffs. You run and deploy that code. This is a different operational model from asking the Agents API to run a managed harness through a durable session.

Control comes with ownership

Your application integrates storage, approval decisions, runtime services, and deployment. SDK session abstractions manage conversation history, but their identifiers and lifecycle should not be confused with managed API session resources.

Compare integration boundaries

Existing applications with substantial orchestration or custom runtime requirements may prefer a library. Applications seeking a managed harness can evaluate the Agents API. Compare the actual workflow, tools, and failure handling before choosing.

Read the official reference

Check the source for current API fields, account requirements, and service limits.

OpenAI: agents

23 matching topics

What is the OpenAI Agents API?FoundationsAgents API vs Agents SDK vs Responses APIComparisonsAgents API quickstartGetting startedSessions, turns & durable stateCore conceptsHosted vs self-hosted sandboxesInfrastructureConnect MCP servers to Agents APITools & integrationsFunction calling & application toolsTools & integrationsMulti-agent orchestrationCore conceptsStreaming, webhooks & event handlingIntegration guidesFiles, outputs & published artifactsCore conceptsVaults & MCP authenticationTools & integrationsAgent security & credential boundariesProductionTracing, usage & debuggingProductionAgents API pricing & cost planningProductionOpenAI Agents API with PythonGetting startedAgents API with TypeScript & Next.jsIntegration guidesWhat is the OpenAI Agents SDK?FoundationsResponses API in the agent stackFoundationsAgent Skills & SKILL.mdTools & integrationsProgrammatic Tool CallingTools & integrationsRAG, file search & vector storesTools & integrationsWeb search & source citationsTools & integrationsChatKit & Agent BuilderIntegration guides
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