Introduction to LLMs

Passing along what I learned

Joe will do a better job than I can, but I can demo you code today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owDd1CJ17uQ

Poll: Experience with LLMs

  1. Used an LLM before (ChatGPT/Claude/Ollama desktop/web application)?

  2. Skeptical about LLMs/AI (1-2 out of 5)? Why?

  3. Neutral about LLMs/AI (3 out of 5)? Why?

  4. Enthusiastic about LLMs/AI (4-5 out of 5)? Why?

Today

  • Today, we will treat LLMs as black boxes
  • Practical introduction
  • Get some hands on practice to demystify using them

Goal

Quick Start on LLMs. You will leave having used a Chat API in a shiny app.

Security

  • DO NOT send proprietary code or data to any LLM, unless you are sure IT policies allow it
  • Local models (e.g., Ollama) typically perform worse than frontier models