Generative AI for Beginners
Generative AI for Beginners is a self-paced online course delivered by Microsoft (GitHub). It is free, the provider does not state how long it takes, and does not award a credential.
FreeChecked on 7 October 2026
- Relevance to work
- 1.8 / 3
- Cost and access
- 2 / 2
- Provider
- 1.6 / 2
- Credential
- 0.3 / 1.5
- Currency
- 1.05 / 1.5
- Total
- 6.8 / 10
Provider learner rating: Not published by the provider
Key facts
| Cost | FreeFree and open source (MIT licence) on GitHub. No account needed to read the lessons. |
|---|---|
| Time | Time not stated (not stated) |
| Level | Beginner |
| Format | self-paced online |
| Prerequisites | Basic Python or TypeScript |
| Credential | No credential |
| Open to | Worldwide |
| Free in | Worldwide |
| Content written for | Any country |
| Last checked | 2026-10-07 |
Things to know
- No certificate
- Hours are not stated
- Some exercises use Azure or OpenAI services that may need an account
Summary
Microsoft's open course of 21 lessons on building with generative AI. Each topic has a 'Learn' lesson on the concept and a 'Build' lesson with code in Python and TypeScript, covering how large language models work, responsible use, prompt engineering and building chat, search and image apps.
Why it's listed
Builds Programming, number 19 on the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2025 core skills list.
Also supports AI literacy.
From the course: Lessons 'Prompt engineering fundamentals'; 'Using generative AI responsibly'; Build lessons in Python and TypeScript
See how the AI Adaptation Profile treats ProgrammingYou will be able to
- Explain what large language models are and how to compare them
- Apply responsible AI practices when building with generative AI
- Write basic and advanced prompts
- Build simple generative AI applications in Python or TypeScript
Modules
- Introduction to generative AI and LLMs
- Exploring and comparing LLMs
- Using generative AI responsibly
- Prompt engineering fundamentals
- Creating advanced prompts
- Further Learn and Build lessons (21 in total)
Who it suits
Beginners who can read basic Python or TypeScript and want to build their first generative AI apps.
Who is behind it
- Delivered by
- Microsoft
- Hosted on
- GitHub (github.com/microsoft)
- Funded by
- Not stated
- Partners
- Not stated
Related courses
- CS50 Python (CS50P)4.3
Free
- AI Fluency for Builders4.3
Free
- Building AI4.3
Free
Questions
Yes. It is free for anyone, anywhere in the world. Free and open source (MIT licence) on GitHub. No account needed to read the lessons. Checked 7 October 2026 against the provider's own page.
Microsoft does not state how long Microsoft Generative AI for Beginners takes.
No. Microsoft does not award or state a certificate for Microsoft Generative AI for Beginners.
Microsoft Generative AI for Beginners is best for beginners who can read basic Python or TypeScript and want to build their first generative AI apps.
ApplyAI rates Microsoft Generative AI for Beginners 3.4 out of 5. Best for beginners who can read basic Python or TypeScript and want to build their first generative AI apps. Watch for: No certificate.
Sources
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