AI Basics

What machine intelligence is and how the pieces fit together.

AI Basics is taught here in 3 lessons, running from AI, machine learning, deep learning through to Using a model API. Each lesson takes one topic, shows the working code, and links onward to the next, so the course can be read straight through in order.

TrackAI & Intelligent Development
Lessons3
LevelBeginner
Reading timeabout 39 minutes
PrerequisitesNone beyond being able to open a text editor

Lessons

  1. AI, machine learning, deep learningThe three terms people use interchangeably, what a model actually is, and where the boundary of "intelligence" sits.
  2. The model lifecycleFrom framing a problem to monitoring it in production — and why most AI projects fail before any model is trained.
  3. Using a model APITokens, temperature, system prompts, structured output and cost control — the practical mechanics of calling an LLM.

More in AI & Intelligent Development

AI Agents Math for AI Machine Learning scikit-learn TensorFlow PyTorch Natural Language Processing LangChain Ollama OpenCV Codex Claude Code OpenCode Vibe Coding Selenium Playwright

FAQ

How long does the AI Basics course take?
It has 3 lessons, about 39 minutes of reading. Expect roughly twice that if you type out and run every example.
Do I need prior experience for AI Basics?
No. This is the first course in AI & Intelligent Development, so it starts from the beginning and assumes no background.
What should I read after AI Basics?
Continue with AI Agents (13 lessons), the next course in AI & Intelligent Development.

Last refreshed 2026-09-18.