LLM Concepts Deep Dive: Conceptual Mastery for Developers

Master transformers, embeddings, and RAG. Learn how modern AI works and use vector databases for real-world solutions.

What you'll learn

• Grasp the foundational concepts behind Large Language Models (LLMs), including what models are and the core language model tasks
• Understand autoencoding, autoregression, and how LLMs perform text prediction and completion
• Learn about pre-training, instruct tuning, and fine-tuning of AI models
• Master the concepts of tokens and embeddings
• Learn how how tokenization works, how token boundaries are formed, and how word frequencies are identified
• Comprehend the importance of embeddings, how they represent text in N-dimensional space, and how to use them for text similarity tasks
• Dive deep into transformer architecture, including how attention mechanisms work and why they are crucial for modern LLMs
• Analyze the challenges of context length, context limits, and the stateless nature of LLMs, along with strategies to handle them effectively
• Explore Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and learn how to implement advanced solutions using vector databases for practical AI applications
• Build conceptual mastery that aligns with what top AI companies screen for in technical interviews

Requirements

• Some familiarity working with an LLM like ChatGPT or Claude
• No machine learning knowledge required
• No advanced mathematics required

Description

Understanding the inner workings of Large Language Models is essential for any developer looking to harness the full potential of AI in their applications. This comprehensive course demystifies the complex architecture and mechanisms behind today's most powerful AI models, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.

Across seven carefully structured units, you'll journey from the foundational concepts of language models to advanced techniques like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG). Unlike surface-level tutorials, this course delves into the actual mechanics of how LLMs process and generate text, giving you a deep understanding that will set you apart in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

You'll start by exploring fundamental concepts, learning how models represent language and the difference between autoencoding and autoregressive tasks. Then, we'll examine the multi-stage training process that transforms raw data into intelligent systems capable of understanding human instructions. You'll gain insights into the tokenization process and embedding vectors, discovering how mathematical operations on these embeddings enable semantic understanding.

The course continues with an in-depth look at transformer architectures, attention mechanisms, and how models manage context. Finally, you'll master RAG techniques and vector databases, unlocking the ability to enhance LLMs with external knowledge without retraining.

Throughout the course, interactive quizzes and Q&A sessions reinforce your learning and address common challenges. By the conclusion, you'll not only understand how LLMs function but also be equipped to implement sophisticated AI solutions that overcome the limitations of standard models.

Whether you're preparing for technical interviews, building AI-powered applications, or seeking to advance your career in AI development, this course provides the technical depth and practical knowledge to confidently work with and extend today's most powerful language models.

Who this course is for:

• Software developers wanting to incorporate LLM capabilities into their applications
• ML engineers looking to deepen their understanding of transformer-based architectures
• Programmers preparing for technical interviews at AI-focused companies, with specific modules addressing common interview questions about LLM architecture
• Technical managers who need to understand AI capabilities to make better product decisions
• Computer science students interested in specializing in AI and natural language processing
• AI enthusiasts who want to go beyond using APIs to truly understand how modern language models function
• Professionals looking to transition into AI development roles in the rapidly growing field