Generative AI & Agentic AI Bootcamp for Backend Engineers (Python + Java,
MacBook M3 Max)
Day 1: Core Concepts of Generative AI
Theory:
- What is Generative AI? How it's used in real systems (chatbots, copilots, RAG)
- Introduction to Transformers and Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Prompt Engineering (zero-shot, few-shot, temperature, top-k/top-p)
- Introduction to Embeddings and Vector Databases
Practice:
- Try prompts using ChatGPT or Ollama (locally)
- Load a small model via Ollama: `ollama run llama3`
- Use OpenAI or HuggingFace Transformers in Python (basic text generation)
Day 2: Agentic AI & Tool-Using Agents
Theory:
- What is an Agent? Differences from regular LLMs
- Agents as planners with tools, memory, and reasoning
- Agent Frameworks: LangChain, AutoGen, Haystack
Practice:
- Install LangChain: `pip install langchain langchain-community fastapi`
- Create a basic agent with tools (e.g., search, calculator)
- Deploy as a REST API using FastAPI
- Explore Flowise or Langflow for no-code chaining
Day 3: Project - Build Your First Gen AI Agent
Theory:
- Combine RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) with agents
- How to integrate with PDFs, SQL databases, or external APIs
Project Ideas:
1. PDF Q&A Agent using LangChain + ChromaDB + Ollama
2. Task Planner: Multi-step planning using tools
3. SQL Generator: Ask natural language questions, return SQL queries
Practice:
- Use LangChain's document loaders and vector store wrappers
- Build an interactive API endpoint with FastAPI
- Optional: Call Python-based agents from Java using REST
System Setup for macOS Sequoia 15.4 (M3 Max):
1. Install Homebrew (if not already):
`/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"`
2. Install Python 3, Git, and Ollama:
`brew install python git`
`brew install --cask ollama`
`ollama run llama3`
3. Create a virtual environment for the project:
`python3 -m venv genai-env && source genai-env/bin/activate`
4. Install dependencies:
`pip install langchain langchain-community fastapi uvicorn chromadb`
5. Optional Tools:
- Flowise: `npm install -g flowise` then `flowise start`
- Ollama GUI for better model browsing (via website)