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AI SDK Core

Large Language Models (LLMs) are advanced programs that can understand, create, and engage with human language on a large scale. They are trained on vast amounts of written material to recognize patterns in language and predict what might come next in a given piece of text. AI SDK Core simplifies working with LLMs by offering a standardized way of integrating them into your app - so you can focus on building great AI applications for your users, not waste time on technical details.

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Why AI SDK Core?

Working with different AI providers typically requires learning provider-specific APIs, handling various response formats, and managing different error patterns. AI SDK Core abstracts these differences away with a unified interface. 
import { generateText } from 'ai';
import { openai } from '@ai-sdk/openai';
import { anthropic } from '@ai-sdk/anthropic';

// Same interface, different providers
const result1 = await generateText({
  model: openai('gpt-5'),
  prompt: 'Explain quantum computing',
});

const result2 = await generateText({
  model: anthropic('claude-4-sonnet'),
  prompt: 'Explain quantum computing',
});

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Core Functions

AI SDK Core provides functions for different LLM use cases:

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Text Generation

  • generateText: Generate text and tool calls in a single request. Ideal for non-interactive use cases like automation, batch processing, and agents.
  • streamText: Stream text and tool calls as they’re generated. Perfect for interactive applications like chatbots and real-time interfaces.
import { generateText, streamText } from 'ai';
import { openai } from '@ai-sdk/openai';

// Non-streaming generation
const { text } = await generateText({
  model: openai('gpt-5'),
  prompt: 'Write a haiku about programming',
});

// Streaming generation
const result = streamText({
  model: openai('gpt-5'),
  prompt: 'Write a story about a robot',
});

for await (const textPart of result.textStream) {
  process.stdout.write(textPart);
}

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Structured Data Generation

Both generateText and streamText support structured output via the output property, allowing you to generate typed, schema-validated data: 
import { generateText, Output } from 'ai';
import { openai } from '@ai-sdk/openai';
import { z } from 'zod';

const { output } = await generateText({
  model: openai('gpt-5'),
  output: Output.object({
    schema: z.object({
      name: z.string(),
      ingredients: z.array(z.string()),
      steps: z.array(z.string()),
    }),
  }),
  prompt: 'Generate a recipe for chocolate chip cookies',
});

// output is fully typed and validated
console.log(output.name); // string
console.log(output.ingredients); // string[]

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Tool Calling

Tools allow models to perform actions or retrieve information: 
import { generateText, tool } from 'ai';
import { openai } from '@ai-sdk/openai';
import { z } from 'zod';

const { text } = await generateText({
  model: openai('gpt-5'),
  tools: {
    weather: tool({
      description: 'Get the weather for a location',
      inputSchema: z.object({
        location: z.string(),
      }),
      execute: async ({ location }) => {
        // Call weather API
        return { temperature: 72, condition: 'sunny' };
      },
    }),
  },
  prompt: 'What\'s the weather in San Francisco?',
});

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Key Features

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Provider-Agnostic

Switch between AI providers without changing your code. The same functions work with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and many others.

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Type Safety

Full TypeScript support with automatic type inference for tool inputs/outputs and structured data schemas.

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Streaming Support

Built-in streaming capabilities for real-time user experiences.

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Multi-Step Execution

Automatic handling of multi-turn tool calls and conversations.

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Error Handling

Consistent error handling across all providers with detailed error types.

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Framework Integration

Seamless integration with React, Vue, Svelte, and Next.js through AI SDK UI and AI SDK RSC.

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Installation

npm install ai
Then install your preferred provider: 
npm install @ai-sdk/openai
# or
npm install @ai-sdk/anthropic
# or
npm install @ai-sdk/google

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Next Steps

Generating Text

Learn how to generate and stream text with AI SDK Core

Structured Data

Generate type-safe structured data from language models

Tool Calling

Enable models to use tools and perform actions

Settings

Configure model parameters and behavior

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API Reference

For detailed API documentation, see the AI SDK Core API Reference.