microsoft/generative-ai-for-beginners

Project overview

Provides a structured 21-lesson curriculum covering generative AI fundamentals with dual-language code examples and translations into 50+ languages.

Project type

RAG · Prompt Engineering · Learning Resources

Use cases

Knowledge Q&A · Search & Research · Learning & Education

Deployment

Refer to project documentation

License

MIT

Best for

• Developers with basic knowledge of Python or TypeScript seeking a structured, 21-lesson curriculum on building generative AI applications.

Key capabilities

• A 21-lesson comprehensive course covering generative AI concepts and code examples.
• Build lessons providing code examples in both Python and TypeScript when possible.
• Course translated into 50+ languages supported via GitHub Action.

Limitations and risks

• Requires basic knowledge of Python or TypeScript to engage with the build lessons and code examples.
• Running the course code examples requires selecting an external model provider such as Azure OpenAI Service, OpenAI API, Microsoft Foundry Models, or Foundry Local. Paid services are optional depending on the provider chosen.

Getting started

• Setup is rated medium difficulty because it requires basic knowledge of Python or TypeScript and setting up a development environment. Users start by cloning the repository, completing the Course Setup lesson to configure the environment, and choosing a language model provider.

Alternatives and comparisons

• Provides a comprehensive, theory-and-practice guide to deeply understand and build AI Native Agent systems, from core principles to multi-agent applications.
• Provides code for all examples throughout the book 'Hands-On Large Language Models', teaching LLM usage with almost 300 custom made figures.
• Provides Chinese-translated, reproduced, and localized LLM tutorials covering prompt engineering, RAG, and fine-tuning, optimized for Chinese language contexts.

Project comparisons

• microsoft/generative-ai-for-beginners vs datawhalechina/hello-agents
• microsoft/generative-ai-for-beginners vs handsonllm/hands-on-large-language-models
• microsoft/generative-ai-for-beginners vs datawhalechina/llm-cookbook

Evidence and sources

• GitHub project description: 21 Lessons, Get Started Building with Generative AI
• README: Learn the fundamentals of building Generative AI applications with our 21-lesson comprehensive course by Microsoft Cloud Advocates.
• README: This repository includes 50+ language translations which significantly increases the download size.
• README: To clone without translations, use sparse checkout:
• README: Basic knowledge of Python or TypeScript is helpful

Reviewed at: 2026-07-16T11:56:53Z

Open original GitHub project