Getting Started with LLMs and Hugging Face

Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming how we interact with technology, but understanding how to use them effectively can feel overwhelming. This text-based course breaks down the core concepts behind these powerful models and guides you through using the industry-standard Hugging Face library. You will transition from understanding basic NLP concepts to running pre-trained models, configuring pipelines, and implementing modern application patterns. Learn the core architecture and terminology behind Large Language Models. Navigate the Hugging Face hub to find, load, and test pre-trained models. Apply tokenizers and pipelines to process text for classification, summarization, and translation. Configure model parameters to optimize text generation and output quality. Practice basic prompt engineering techniques to guide model behavior. Explore foundational Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) concepts for custom data integration. The course begins with foundational concepts of transformer architecture before moving into step-by-step written guides on using the Hugging Face ecosystem. This course is designed for software developers, data enthusiasts, and beginners curious about AI, with no prior machine learning experience required. Start reading today to unlock the potential of modern language models in your projects.