What Should You Learn NextNot sure where to start? Take the free What Should You Learn Next quiz
What Should You Learn NextNot sure where to start? Take the free What Should You Learn Next quiz
What Should You Learn NextNot sure where to start? Take the free What Should You Learn Next quiz
What Should You Learn NextNot sure where to start? Take the free What Should You Learn Next quiz
What Should You Learn NextNot sure where to start? Take the free What Should You Learn Next quiz
Take the Skills Quiz →

Free preview: Transformers in plain language — Large Language Models (LLMs) & Prompt Engineering

Free preview lesson · Large Language Models (LLMs) & Prompt Engineering · Module 1: How LLMs work

Transformers in plain language

An LLM predicts the next token based on everything in its context window. Understanding that one fact explains most of its strengths and failures.

Tokens

Text is split into tokens; limits and costs are measured in them.

Context

The model only knows what is in its training and the current context.

Sampling

Settings like temperature trade consistency for variety.

Common pitfall

Expecting the model to know facts that are not in its context or training.

Action step

Ask an assistant the same question at two temperatures and compare.

This is one lesson from Large Language Models (LLMs) & Prompt Engineering.

Enroll now — $97 See the full curriculum

Educational content only. No income, revenue or earnings results are promised or implied. No certification, licence or professional credential is awarded.

Editorial & AI Disclosure