microsoft/Generative-AI-for-beginners-dotnet

Five lessons, learn how to really apply AI to your .NET Applications

What it solves

This project addresses the gap between theoretical AI knowledge and practical implementation for .NET developers. It provides a structured, hands-on path to building real-world Generative AI applications without getting bogged down in abstract concepts.

How it works

The course is organized into a series of lessons that combine short instructional videos with fully functional, runnable code samples. Developers can use GitHub Codespaces for a pre-configured environment or run code locally. The curriculum covers everything from basic text generation and chat memory to advanced topics like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), building AI agents with the Microsoft Agent Framework, and implementing responsible AI guardrails. It supports integration with Azure OpenAI, Microsoft Foundry, and local models via Ollama.

Who it’s for

This course is designed for .NET developers who want to integrate Generative AI into their software projects. It is suitable for those who prefer a practical, code-first learning style and have a basic understanding of .NET development.

Highlights

  • Hands-on lessons featuring live coding and functional samples.
  • Comprehensive coverage of AI patterns including semantic search, RAG, and agentic workflows.
  • Support for both cloud-based (Azure OpenAI/Foundry) and local (Ollama) model hosting.
  • Automated setup scripts for Azure resources to minimize configuration friction.
  • Multi-language support for international accessibility.
  • Integration with the Microsoft Agent Framework for building complex, multi-agent systems.

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