HazelJS vs AutoGen
TL;DR
- AutoGen (Microsoft) is a multi-agent framework with AgentChat presets (teams, tools, streaming) and an event-driven core; historically Python-first with .NET interop in v0.4. Microsoft has also pointed new work toward the Microsoft Agent Framework — verify current project status before adopting.
- HazelJS Agent OS is a TypeScript Agent OS for production product agents: DNA, Skillgate, Gatekeeper, durable HITL, and local apply inside your Node backend.
- Prefer AutoGen when you want Microsoft’s multi-agent chat/team patterns and research-oriented composition.
- Prefer HazelJS when TypeScript backends need packaging, governed REST skills, and crash-safe approvals as first-class Agent OS primitives.
Sources: AutoGen AgentChat, AutoGen v0.4 announcement.
Who this is for
Teams evaluating multi-agent conversation frameworks versus an Agent OS embedded in a TypeScript API app.
Capability matrix
| Capability | HazelJS | AutoGen |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript / Node | Python (+ .NET interop in v0.4) |
| Primary abstraction | Agent OS lifecycle | Agents + Teams (AgentChat) / event core |
| Agent runtime | AgentRuntime + confidence loop | AssistantAgent and presets |
| Workflow orchestration | Graphs, supervisor, @hazeljs/flow | Team patterns (round-robin, selector, swarm, Magentic-One) |
| Durable execution | DurableRunStore + HITL suspend | State management / long-running patterns (verify current APIs) |
| Governance | Skillgate + DNA policies | Custom agents, tools, guardrails (model differs) |
| Authorization | Gatekeeper fail-closed tool authz | Tool use + user proxy patterns |
| Observability | Timelines, inspector, OTel hooks | OpenTelemetry tracing support |
| Deployment | hazeld local node + optional cloud | Self-managed; ecosystem evolving |
| Multi-agent | Graphs, @Delegate, A2A | First-class team presets |
| Human-in-the-loop | Durable approvals + hazel approvals | UserProxyAgent / human input patterns |
| Production infrastructure | Same DI app as HTTP | Library + hosting you assemble |
When to choose which
Choose AutoGen when multi-agent chat teams and Microsoft’s agent research stack match your language and ops model.
Choose HazelJS when you need TypeScript Agent OS packaging (DNA), Skillgate-governed OpenAPI tools, and Gatekeeper authorization beside production APIs.
Related
FAQ
- Is AutoGen the same as an Agent OS?
- No. AutoGen provides multi-agent runtime and team patterns. HazelJS Agent OS adds DNA packaging, Skillgate, Gatekeeper, and local control-plane apply for TypeScript backends.
- What languages does AutoGen support?
- AutoGen is primarily Python, with .NET interop called out in v0.4. HazelJS targets TypeScript/Node. Confirm AutoGen’s current project status before adopting.
- When should I pick HazelJS?
- When you need TypeScript agents beside REST with DNA, governed OpenAPI skills, and fail-closed tool authorization.
- When should I pick AutoGen?
- When Microsoft’s multi-agent team presets and research stack match your language and collaboration model.