Update AIChatWeb Project Template Dependencies

[jeffhandley]

We need to take a pass over all dependencies used in the AIChatWeb project template and update them to newer versions where applicable.

For example, the Aspire packages should be bumped to 9.5.1 and the CommunityToolkit/Aspire references should be updated. Other community packages should be reviewed for changes worth updating for as well.

[Varorbc]

Should the SemanticKernel in the template also be migrated to Microsoft Agent Framework?

[stephentoub]

"Semantic kernel" is a bunch of things. The template is using the implementations of Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData, eg for sqllite, which are still desirable.

[Varorbc]

“Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Connectors.SqliteVec” feels somewhat outdated. Would it make sense to migrate the parts we plan to keep into a separate repository and rename them to something like “Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData.Sqlite” to better reflect their purpose and current usage?

[stephentoub]

“Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Connectors.SqliteVec” feels somewhat outdated. Would it make sense to migrate the parts we plan to keep into a separate repository and rename them to something like “Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData.Sqlite” to better reflect their purpose and current usage?

@markwallace-microsoft, @westey-m, @roji

[westey-m]

“Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Connectors.SqliteVec” feels somewhat outdated. Would it make sense to migrate the parts we plan to keep into a separate repository and rename them to something like “Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData.Sqlite” to better reflect their purpose and current usage?

We will be working on the strategy for this in the coming days. Something like Microsoft.Extensions.VectorData.Sqlite certainly makes more sense and is a potential option. Currently the Microsoft.SemanticKernel.Connectors.* vector data connectors have no dependency on semantic kernel (it really just means maintained by the SK team), so this naming creates confusion.

[Varorbc]

https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/upgrading-to-microsoft-agent-framework-in-your-dotnet-ai-chat-app/

Is there a plan to add AF in the template?

[jeffhandley]

Is there a plan to add AF in the template?

We're starting off with a standalone Agent Framework template, but this is on our radar. Thanks for chiming in with the question!