agent-framework/python/samples/getting_started/evaluation/self_reflection

Self-Reflection Evaluation Sample

This sample demonstrates the self-reflection pattern using Agent Framework and Azure AI Foundry's Groundedness Evaluator. For details, see Reflexion: Language Agents with Verbal Reinforcement Learning (NeurIPS 2023).

Overview

What it demonstrates:

• Iterative self-reflection loop that automatically improves responses based on groundedness evaluation
• Batch processing of prompts from JSONL files with progress tracking
• Using AzureOpenAIChatClient with Azure CLI authentication
• Comprehensive summary statistics and detailed result tracking

Prerequisites

Azure Resources

• Azure OpenAI: Deploy models (default: gpt-4.1 for both agent and judge)
• Azure CLI: Run az login to authenticate

Python Environment

pip install agent-framework-core azure-ai-projects pandas --pre

Environment Variables

# .env file
AZURE_AI_PROJECT_ENDPOINT=https://<your-ai-resource>.services.ai.azure.com/api/projects/<your-ai-project>/

Running the Sample

# Basic usage
python self_reflection.py

# With options
python self_reflection.py --input my_prompts.jsonl \
                          --output results.jsonl \
                          --max-reflections 5 \
                          -n 10

CLI Options:

• --input, -i: Input JSONL file
• --output, -o: Output JSONL file
• --agent-model, -m: Agent model name (default: gpt-4.1)
• --judge-model, -e: Evaluator model name (default: gpt-4.1)
• --max-reflections: Max iterations (default: 3)
• --limit, -n: Process only first N prompts

Understanding Results

The agent iteratively improves responses:

1. Generate initial response
2. Evaluate groundedness (1-5 scale)
3. If score < 5, provide feedback and retry
4. Stop at max iterations or perfect score (5/5)

Example output:

[1/31] Processing prompt 0...
  Self-reflection iteration 1/3...
  Groundedness score: 3/5
  Self-reflection iteration 2/3...
  Groundedness score: 5/5
  ✓ Perfect groundedness score achieved!
  ✓ Completed with score: 5/5 (best at iteration 2/3)

Related Resources

• Reflexion Paper
• Azure AI Evaluation SDK
• Agent Framework