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Generative AI for Beginners

Microsoft's free 21-lesson course on building generative AI apps in Python and TypeScript.

Taught byMicrosoft (open-source curricula)
Start free on Microsoft (open-source curricula)

About this course

An open-source course (version 3) from Microsoft Cloud Advocates. Lessons alternate between concepts and build exercises: LLM basics, responsible AI, prompt engineering, chat and search apps, image generation, function calling, RAG, open models, agents and fine-tuning.

Best for: Developers starting to build generative AI apps.

What you will be able to do

  • Explain how LLMs work and how to use them responsibly
  • Write effective prompts
  • Build chat, search and RAG applications
  • Use function calling and agents

Syllabus and your progress

Tick modules off as you finish them on Microsoft (open-source curricula).

0 of 7 modules done

Plan your pace

At 4 hours a week you would finish in about 8 weeks, using the course time estimate above.

Progress is saved in this browser only. No account needed.

Cost and certificate

No certificate

The curriculum has no certificate.

Before you start: Basic Python or TypeScript

Microsoft (open-source curricula) sets the terms and can change them. Check the course page before you commit serious time, and tell us if something changed.

Quick answers

Is Generative AI for Beginners really free?
Yes, the course material is free on Microsoft (open-source curricula). The curriculum has no certificate.
How long does Generative AI for Beginners take?
Plan for about 30 hrs in total (21 lessons; hours are an editorial estimate.). It is self-paced, so you can go faster or slower.
Do I need experience before Generative AI for Beginners?
It helps to have: Basic Python or TypeScript.

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About Microsoft (open-source curricula)

Free, project-based 'for Beginners' curricula published on GitHub.

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Generative AI for Beginners

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