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AI for Developers

Move from “chat window magic” to dependable systems: model APIs, retrieval, tools, agents, evals, and the boring-but-essential guardrails.

Core briefing

Three small lessons. One useful result.

No cramming. Read the lesson cards, then complete the mini mission using a non-sensitive example.

01
Mini lesson

Think in systems, not demos

Intermediate⏱ 8 minSome coding
  • A good AI feature has an input, task, context, constraints, and output contract.
  • Use structured outputs when your code needs predictable data.
  • Keep the model’s role narrow before increasing autonomy.

Next: Test the concept in a disposable sample project.

02
Mini lesson

RAG and tool calling—plain English

Intermediate⏱ 10 minSome coding
  • RAG retrieves relevant trusted documents before the model answers.
  • Tool calling lets the model request actions from controlled functions or APIs.
  • Both reduce guessing when implemented with solid permissions and validation.

Next: Add constraints and expected output structure.

03
Mini lesson

Evaluate before you celebrate

Intermediate⏱ 10 minSome coding
  • Collect representative test cases, including edge cases and failure cases.
  • Measure correctness, format compliance, latency, cost, and safety.
  • Log enough to debug—but protect user data.

Next: Add validation, logging, and a human fallback.

Hands-on mini mission

Mini mission: write an AI feature brief

Pick one small feature, such as “answer questions from a product manual” or “turn support notes into a structured ticket.” Define the contract before you choose the model.

Suggested effort
Low friction
Starter prompt
Act as a senior AI application architect. Help me create a one-page feature brief for: [feature]. Include: user goal, inputs, trusted data sources, expected output schema, failure modes, privacy/security concerns, evaluation test cases, and a smallest useful prototype. Ask questions only where decisions materially affect the design.
Keep learning for free

Trusted launch pads, not link confetti.

These providers offer free learning material or free enrollment. Availability, account requirements, and course catalogs can change—check the provider’s page before beginning.

External resources open in a new tab. Last reviewed June 27, 2026.

Use responsibly

Keep a human at the helm.

AI output may be incomplete, biased, or confidently incorrect. Verify important work, follow your organization’s policies, and do not input private customer, company, health, financial, or credential information into tools that are not approved for it.

Recommended next step

Build with guardrails

Continue into agents only after adding validation, observability, permissions, and human escalation.

Explore AI Agents →
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