A practical guide to building AI features with Vercel AI SDK v6, covering what changed in v6 (simplified provider abstraction, improved tools/agents, cleaner streaming, reliable structured output, built-in OpenTelemetry tracing), core mental models, and day-to-day patterns. Includes code examples for streaming chat, provider
Table of contents
What the AI SDK Actually IsWhat Is New in AI SDK v6The Mental Model That Makes the SDK ClickStarting From Scratch: The Minimum Viable SetupProvider Switching Without the WincingTools: Where the SDK Stops Being a Demo LibraryStructured Output: The Feature That Changes What You BuildStreaming UI: When You Want More Than TextThe Patterns That Keep WorkingWhat It Costs, and How to Keep That Under ControlWhen Not to Use the AI SDKThe Reason This Matters More in 2026 Than It Did Last YearSort: