AI for Efficient Programming: Harnessing the Power of LLMs from Coursera

This course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for software development explores the use of AI large language models such as ChatGPT, Bard, and others and their potential benefits and challenges. Through examples and hands-on activities, you will develop an understanding of the ways in which AI can speed up software development tasks and free up time for more creative and strategic work.

Unique Features of this Course

- Exploration of multiple browser-based AI tools

- Hands-on, yet simple activities requiring no installations of software

- Emphasis on responsible and ethical use of AI

- Beginner friendly for those who want to get started using generative AI tools

- Useful ideas for how to leverage tools to make your work better and more efficient

- Tried and tested strategies for using AI tools from practicing data scientists and scientific software developers

- A fun and playful approach to learning

Key Words

Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Software Development, Coding, Data Science

Intended Audience

- Professionals looking to improve efficiency

- Students hoping to learn more about programming

- Anyone curious about how AI can be harnessed for technology

Note: Those completely new to programming will find using AI tools to create software solutions challenging at this time. It is helpful to have some fundamental knowledge to write appropriate prompts and to discern when code is not working as expected. We advise novices to seek expert review.

Learning Objectives

- Explain the basics of AI and its potential for improving software development workflows

- Implement strategies to write and debug code using AI-based tools

- Describe the benefits of refactoring code using AI-powered techniques, such as making code readable, keeping it brief, and optimizing code

- Apply best practices for annotating code using AI

- Recognize strategies for using AI-based tools to understand and analyze code, such as code comprehension of unfamiliar languages or functions

- Discuss the challenges and ethical implications of using AI for different aspects of software development

Accessibility

We are committed to making our content accessible and available to all. We welcome any feedback you might have at https://forms.gle/3sTZpctxzYyhj74NA. Questions related to accessibility accommodations should be directed to https://studentserviceportal.force.com/s/.

PDF versions of this course can be found at https://leanpub.com/courses/fredhutch/ai_for_software.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction; Ethics of Using AI

This module provides a general overview of AI Large Language Models, how this technology will change software development, and ethical considerations for using LLMs when creating code and software.

Writing Code; Refactoring Code

This module covers using LLMs to write, debug, and plan your coding project, as well as how LLMs can help with common refactoring tasks.

Annotating Your Code; Understanding Unfamiliar Code

This module covers how to use LLMs to properly annotate your code and to understand code and functions that you did not write.

AI for Bioinformatics

This bonus section covers possible uses and caveats for LLMs in bioinformatics, particularly when working with private data.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches learners how to use AI Large Language Models (LLMs) for software development, which is standard in the industry

Taught by four instructors who are PhDs and reputable data scientists and scientific software developers

Explorest the use of AI Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve software development workflows

Provides hands-on activities that require no software installations, making it accessible to learners with different levels of technical expertise

Suitable for professionals looking to improve their efficiency and students interested in learning more about programming

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in AI for Efficient Programming: Harnessing the Power of LLMs with these activities:

Explore pre-trained language models (LMs)

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Familiarize yourself with different types of LMs and their capabilities.

Browse courses on Large Language Models

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Read articles and watch videos on LMs.
Try out different LM tools and experiment with their features.

Review LLMs

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Review the definitions and basics of AI and its potential for improving software development workflows.

Browse courses on AI

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Read the course description.
Re-familiarize yourself with the basics of AI.
Review online articles, videos, or other resources about LLMs.

Review Programming Fundamentals

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Refresh your knowledge of programming fundamentals to strengthen your understanding of AI concepts and their implementation in software development.

Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals

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Revisit basic syntax and data types.
Practice writing simple algorithms and code snippets.
Review object-oriented programming principles.

23 other activities

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Brush up on basic coding concepts

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Solidify your foundation by reviewing the basics of coding before starting the course.

Browse courses on Programming

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Review variables, data types, and operators
Practice writing simple code snippets
Solve coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank

Organize coursework

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Organize your notes, assignments, and resources to enhance your understanding of the fundamentals of AI for software development.

Browse courses on Large Language Models

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Gather all course materials
Sort and categorize materials by topic
Create a study schedule and plan

Gather resources on AI for software development

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Build your own knowledge base by compiling a collection of resources on AI tools and techniques for software development.

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Search for articles, tutorials, and documentation on AI for software development
Organize the resources into a structured collection
Share your collection with others

Discuss ethical implications of AI in software development

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Engage in thoughtful discussions on the ethical considerations of using AI in software development.

Browse courses on Ethics of AI

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Research ethical frameworks for AI.
Identify potential biases in AI systems.
Discuss strategies for mitigating ethical risks.

Join a study group to discuss AI applications

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Enhance your understanding by engaging in discussions and sharing insights with peers about AI applications in software development.

Browse courses on AI Applications

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Find or create a study group with other students taking the course
Set regular meeting times and a structured agenda
Discuss topics related to AI applications in software development

Practice writing code using LLM prompts

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Develop your skills in crafting effective prompts for AI-assisted code writing.

Browse courses on Code Generation

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Identify a coding task you want to complete.
Write a clear and concise prompt for the AI.
Iterate on your prompts to refine the output.

Experiment with AI Tools

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Practice using various AI tools to get a feel for their capabilities and limitations.

Browse courses on AI Tools

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Explore different AI tools available online.
Write prompts to generate code using AI.
Use AI to debug code.

Follow Tutorials on AI-Based Techniques

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Follow tutorials and articles to learn about different AI-based techniques for software development.

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Find tutorials and online resources on using AI in software development.
Complete the tutorials and practice the techniques.

Explore ChatGPT Tutorials

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Engage in hands-on tutorials to familiarize yourself with the capabilities of ChatGPT and its applications in software development.

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Follow video or written tutorials on ChatGPT's features.
Practice writing code using ChatGPT's prompts.

Join a study group

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Connect with peers by joining a study group to engage in discussions, share knowledge, and work together on course-related projects.

Browse courses on AI

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Find or create a study group with like-minded individuals
Set regular meeting times and stick to them
Discuss course concepts and work on assignments together

Follow interactive tutorials on AI tools

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Expand your knowledge and gain practical skills by following guided tutorials on using AI tools for software development.

Browse courses on AI Tools

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Explore tutorials on platforms like Coursera, edX, or YouTube
Try out different AI tools and their features
Experiment with using AI for code generation, debugging, and analysis

Practice using LLM tools

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Follow online tutorials to strengthen your skills in using AI-based tools for software development, such as ChatGPT or Bard.

Browse courses on LLMs

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Find reputable tutorials
Choose tutorials that align with your skill level
Complete the tutorials and apply what you learn

Refactor code using AI

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Engage in coding exercises to practice refactoring code using AI techniques, optimizing and improving your code quality.

Browse courses on AI

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Identify areas of code that need refactoring
Use AI tools to suggest refactoring strategies
Implement the suggested changes and evaluate the results

Create code using AI

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Utilize AI tools to plan and construct code projects, taking advantage of their capabilities to enhance your coding process.

Browse courses on AI

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Define the purpose and scope of your code project
Use AI tools to generate code or suggest algorithms
Refine and modify the generated code to meet your specific requirements

Build a simple software application using AI tools

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Gain practical experience applying AI tools to solve real-world software development challenges.

Browse courses on Software Development

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Define the problem you want to solve.
Design the architecture of your application.
Use AI tools to assist with code generation and optimization.
Test and refine your application.

Write Detailed Code Comments

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Write detailed comments in your code to help improve code readability and maintainability.

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Identify sections of your code that could benefit from clearer explanations.
Use AI to assist you in writing comments.
Review and refine your comments to ensure clarity and accuracy.

AI-Assisted Coding Practice

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Utilize AI tools to practice coding, identify errors, and enhance your problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on AI-Assisted Coding

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Write code using ChatGPT or other AI tools for assistance.
Analyze the output and identify potential errors.
Correct the errors and optimize the code.

Contribute to AI Open-Source Projects

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Deepen your understanding of AI by contributing to open-source projects, expanding your knowledge and building your portfolio.

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Identify open-source AI projects that align with your interests.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Suggest improvements or contribute new features.

Practice writing code using AI assistance

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Enhance your coding skills by practicing using AI tools to write, debug, and refactor code.

Browse courses on AI-Assisted Coding

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Use AI assistants to generate code snippets
Practice debugging code using AI tools
Try refactoring code with the help of AI

Present your work to peers

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Prepare and present a topic related to the course to your peers, fostering a deeper understanding and encouraging constructive feedback.

Browse courses on AI

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Choose a topic that you are passionate about and well-versed in
Research and prepare your presentation
Deliver your presentation to your peers

AI-Powered Project

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Apply the skills learned in the course to create a software project that leverages AI capabilities.

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Identify a problem or need that AI can address.
Design and plan the project's architecture and functionality.
Implement the project using AI tools and techniques.
Test and evaluate the project's performance.

Develop a software prototype

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Design and create a software prototype to demonstrate your understanding and application of AI techniques in software development.

Browse courses on Software Development

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Identify a problem or opportunity that can be addressed with a software solution
Use AI tools to design and develop a prototype solution
Test and refine your prototype

Develop a software application using AI tools

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Demonstrate your understanding and skills by building a software application that leverages AI tools.

Browse courses on Software Development

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Identify a problem or need that can be solved using AI
Design and plan your application
Implement your application using AI tools for code generation, debugging, and optimization
Test and evaluate your application

Career center

Learners who complete AI for Efficient Programming: Harnessing the Power of LLMs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers research, design, build, and implement machine learning models that can help solve complex problems. This course supplements the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective Machine Learning Engineer. Course modules like `Writing Code`, `Refactoring Code`, `Annotating Your Code`, and `Understanding Unfamiliar Code` will aid in the development and maintenance of machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply the principles of software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computer software. This course will teach the fundamentals of using AI to accelerate a Software Engineer's workflow.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. The skills learned in the `AI for Bioinformatics` module of this course will be particularly useful to those who work with biological data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of AI systems. This course will give a good foundation of how to work with AI and may be especially useful in conjunction with other courses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Bioinformatics Scientist

Bioinformatics Scientists use computational tools to analyze and interpret biological data. The `AI for Bioinformatics` module of this course will be particularly useful to those who work with biological data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioinformatics Scientist

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write, test, debug, and maintain the code that makes computers and applications work. This course will introduce the fundamentals of working with AI to automate coding tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computational Biologist

Computational Biologists use computer science, mathematics, and statistics to solve biological problems. The `AI for Bioinformatics` module of this course will be particularly useful to those who work with biological data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Biologist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. The skills learned in the `Refactoring Code` and `Annotating Your Code` modules of this course will be particularly useful to those who work with large datasets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop the overall structure and architecture of software systems. This course will teach the fundamentals of using AI to accelerate a Software Architect's workflow.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and software. This course will teach the fundamentals of using AI to automate some aspects of technical support.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Specialist

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. The skills learned in the `Refactoring Code` and `Annotating Your Code` modules of this course will be particularly useful to those who work with large databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts study an organization's current business processes and develop plans for how to improve them. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts who are looking to learn more about how AI can be used to improve business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. This course will teach the fundamentals of using AI to accelerate a Web Developer's workflow.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and software. This course will teach the fundamentals of using AI to automate some aspects of technical support.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Support Specialist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze an organization's business processes and develop plans for how to improve them. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who are looking to learn more about how AI can be used to improve business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst