What Is Programming? And How To Get Started
January 28, 2025
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This course is part of Large Language Model Operations (LLMOps) Specialization
Instructors: Noah Gift
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(96 reviews)
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Beginner level
Some programming experience is useful but not required. Basic understanding of linux and cloud environments is recommended.
(96 reviews)
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Some programming experience is useful but not required. Basic understanding of linux and cloud environments is recommended.
Learn to utilize Generative AI for automation.
Develop Generative AI software solutions.
Build solutions with Prompt Engineering to enhance Generative AI output.
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This introductory course is designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of generative AI. You will start by gaining a high-level understanding of what generative AI is and how it works. Through interactive lessons and hands-on examples, you will learn fundamental skills like providing effective prompts and iteratively improving the generated outputs. As the course progresses, you will dive deeper into specific major generative AI models, including their unique capabilities and limitations. Finally,, you will get practical experience using leading systems like GitHub Copilot, DALL-E, and OpenAI to generate code, images, and text. By the end, you will have developed core knowledge to start experimenting with generative AI in a responsible and effective way for a variety of applications. This course aims to provide a friendly introduction to prepare complete beginners for further exploration of this rapidly evolving technology.
In this module, you will learn what generative AI is and how it has evolved from early AI to the large language models used today. You'll understand how these models work in applications by learning about model architectures and the training process. The module provides an overview of major foundation models like ChatGPT and Hugging Face, highlighting their capabilities and limitations. You'll explore the generative AI landscape, comparing options like open source models, local models, and cloud APIs. By the end, you'll have a solid base of knowledge about the foundations of this technology and options for accessing and leveraging different AI systems.
21 videos10 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
In this module, you will learn the fundamentals of prompt engineering to interact effectively with generative AI models. You'll understand the concept of few-shot prompting and practice basic prompting techniques using context and examples. Building on this, you'll learn methods for improving prompts through personas, detailed instructions, and iteration based on feedback. Finally, you'll explore more advanced skills like breaking down tasks, chaining prompts, and other useful techniques to overcome context limitations.
18 videos5 readings4 assignments
In this module, you will explore different types of generative AI applications, including API-based, embedded model, and multi-model systems. You'll learn the fundamentals of building robust applications using techniques like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to improve context. Through hands-on exercises, you'll gain experience testing an application locally and deploying it on the cloud.
19 videos5 readings3 assignments1 ungraded lab
Here, you will learn the key capabilities of the OpenAI API. You will generate images with OpenAI’s DALL-E, “fine tuning” LLM models to Reddit questions and answers and summarize videos with OpenAI’s Whisper Model.
19 videos8 readings4 assignments1 ungraded lab
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
Duke University has about 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a world-class faculty helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge. The university has a strong commitment to applying knowledge in service to society, both near its North Carolina campus and around the world.
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Reviewed on Nov 23, 2024
Thank you Coursera!!! Got to learn from great teachers..
Reviewed on Jun 18, 2024
Nice course on "Introduction to Generative AI". It was a brief introduction to Gen AI concepts and how to use LLM APIs to create custom applications. Truly beginner level course.
Reviewed on Jan 27, 2025
Modules 1-3 were good. Module 4 could be much better. The quality of videos was poor. Some of the quizzes marked correct answers incorrect. The material could also be better.
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