The Essential AI Workbench (Python + Github Copilot X + Visual Studio Code) Course Outline

Special Note to New Hampshire Residents
This course has not yet been approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education. Please contact us for an update on when the class will be available in New Hampshire.

Overview
Our 2-day AI Workbench (Python / Copilot X / VS Code) course is designed for non-programmers who want to dive into AI development. You'll learn how to implement and debug AI code using generative AI systems like ChatGPT and Github Copilot X, and the widely-used AI support language Python.

We'll guide you through setting up your integrated developer's environment with Visual Studio Code and Copilot X, and show you how to identify what the programs are doing and how to fix them if there is a problem. Best of all, you don't need to be a programmer - you can simply cut and paste code or accept suggestions from the AI.

By taking this course, you'll be able to customize AI solutions and follow along with examples at OpenAI, Huggingface, or thousands of YouTube videos. Imagine the possibilities - from building your own chatbot to analyzing data for your business, AI is a game-changer. Enroll now and take the first step toward becoming an AI developer!

Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic computer concepts such as file management. No prior Python or programming experience is required.

PYTHON INTRODUCTION

Learn Python basics, including the following elements:
Boolean types
Strings
Mathematical operations
Lists and loops
Dictionaries
Functions
Error checking
Get familiar with Jupyter notebooks

Get started with Python in Visual Studio Code
Get started with learning Python by installing and configuring the tools you'll need to build real applications.
Validate your Python version and installation
Install Python
Install Visual Studio Code
Install the Python extension
Create your first Python application

rite your first Python programs
In this module, you'll learn a variety of topics, like input and output to the console, variables and data types, and type conversion.
Work with output
Exercise - Work with output
Collect input

Create and manage projects in Python
To manage projects, you need a virtual environment, packages that will help you develop faster, and a strategy for maintaining packages.
Introduction
Work with packages
Exercise - Create a package
Work with project files

Use Boolean logic in Python
Explore how to use Boolean logic in Python to craft complex expressions that apply conditional logic.
Write 'if' statements
What are 'else' and 'elif' statements?
Exercise - Write 'if' statements
What are 'and' and 'or' operators?
Exercise - Use 'and' and 'or' operators

Use strings in Python
Use one of the most common types in Python to represent text. From simple formatting to representing variables, using operating strings is a critical skill for Python developers.
String basics in Python
String methods in Python
Exercise - Transform text by using string methods
String format in Python

Use mathematical operations in Python
Almost every application a developer creates involves some level of math. This module will explore the core functionality of Python and arithmetic operators. You will also explore how to perform more manipulations of data and numbers.
What are operators in Python?
Exercise - Use arithmetic operators
Work with numbers in Python

Introduction to lists in Python
You'll often work with multiple values in a program. In Python, you can group data together by using lists. In this module, you'll learn how to use lists and what the most common tasks with lists are.
Introducing lists
Exercise - Create and use Python lists
Work with numbers in lists
Manipulate list data

Use 'while' and 'for' loops in Python
With Python, you can use while loops to run the same task multiple times and for loops to loop once over list data. In this module, you'll learn about the two loop types and when to apply each.
About 'while' loops
Exercise - Create a 'while' loop
Use 'for' loops with lists

Manage data with Python dictionaries
Python dictionaries allow you to model complex data. This module explores common scenarios where you could use dictionaries.
Introducing Python dictionaries
Exercise - Create Python dictionaries
Dynamic programming with dictionaries
Exercise - Dynamic programming with dictionaries

Python functions
The next step after using procedural code is to write modular software by using functions. Functions, from simple ones to multiple-argument ones, are useful in making code reusable.
Basics of Python functions
Use function arguments
Use keyword arguments
Use variable arguments

Python error handling
Handle exceptions and create useful error messages. Improve your skills by using exceptions for code flow control.
Use tracebacks to find errors
Handle exceptions
Exercise - Handle exceptions
Raise exceptions
Exercise - Work with exceptions

Get started with Jupyter notebooks for Python
Use Jupyter notebooks to run Python. Build a spaceship manual that has interactive, runnable Markdown and code elements.
Set up your environment
Create and run your notebook
Use advanced commands

VISUAL STUDIO CODE INTRODUCTION

Getting Started with Visual Studio Code
Setup
Extensions
Customization

Basic Tips and Tricks
Command line
Status Bar
Customization
Extensions
Files and folders
Editing hacks
IntelliSense
Snippets
Git integration
Debugging

User Interface
Basic Layout
Side-by-side editing
Minimap
Breadcrumbs
Explorer
Open Editors
Views
Command Palette
Configuring the editor
Tabs
Preview mode
Editor Groups
Grid editor layout
Working without Tabs
Window management

GITHUB COPILOT X INTRODUCTION

Introduction to GitHub Copilot X
Signing up for GitHub Copilot for your personal account
Signing up for GitHub Copilot for your organization account
Installing the GitHub Copilot extension for Visual Studio Code
Getting your first suggestion

About GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code
Installing Visual Studio Code Extension
Seeing your First Suggestion
Seeing Alternative Suggestions
Seeing multiple suggestions in a new tab
Generating Code suggestions from Comments
Using a Framework
Enabling/Disabling GitHub Copilot

Configuring GitHub Copilot
Github Settings
In Your Environment
Organizational Settings

Workshop: Using GitHub Copilot with your Python Projects

View outline in Word

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Attend hands-on, instructor-led The Essential AI Workbench (Python + Github Copilot X + Visual Studio Code) training classes at ONLC's more than 300 locations. Not near one of our locations? Attend these same live classes from your home/office PC via our Remote Classroom Instruction (RCI) technology.

For additional training options, check out our list of ML & AI Courses and select the one that's right for you.