Silicon Dojo - Research Triangle

Welcome to our first full day hands on class in Durham! This is a hands on class where you will learn, and will be writing code so that you learn how to create your own projects.

You can come after 8:30am. We will start at 9am.

There are no prerequisites. Even non technical people can attend as long as you're willing to try. Our style is to slowly build up concepts and then to have short labs that reinforce concepts.

Please bring your own computer so that we can make sure your system is setup properly, and you get comfortable working with your own computer. We will have lab computers if three are issues is some people need them.

You will learn what Python is and why it matters. We'll setup VSCode on your computer and the Ollama AI framework so that you can create scripts that use Artificial Intelligence.

Half the class will be seminar and half will be you writing code so make sure to come ready to really learn.

This class will go over:

• What is Python
• Syntax vs PEP8 Styling
• Setting Up VSCode for projects
• Variables and Data Types
• Loops
• REST API's and JSON
• Reading and Writing to Files
• Getting User Input
• Writing Functions
• Dealing with Modules and PIP
• Setting Up Ollama for AI Functionality
• Using Python with Ollama to Build AI Powered Scripts
• and more...

Parking - There is a parking garage at Corcoran St Garage, Durham, NC 27701

Hotels - There are many within a few blocks that are $200-$400 per night. I prefer the Hampton Inn or Homes2Suites at 1206 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC 27705 which 8-10 minute drive.

Door Code - This will be at American Underground after normal hours. I will send out the key code to get into the building before the class so make sure to look in your email for the code before you come.

NOTE: Our classes are for any one of any level who is interested in the subject. The first half will be seminar, and the second half will be hands on writing code. (You can leave after the seminar if you like). If you want to build the examples just bring a Windows/Mac/Linux laptop with preferably over 8 GB of RAM.

This class is going to teach you the basic concepts you have to understand in order to start writing code for your AI projects. We will go over basic concepts like how to pick a programming language, using IDE's, building wireframes, writing pseudocode and more.

Beyond that we will then learn about using LLM's and other AI frameworks and how to actually use these in your projects. And then discuss things such as RAG, MCP and what AI Agents really are.

This class will go over:

• How to pick a Programming Language
• What are Frameworks
• Planning and Designing Projects
• Using IDE's to write code
• What LLM's and AI Frameworks are
• Understanding Systems Architecture for AI Projects
• Basic Concepts in Waterfall vs Agile Project Management
• Understanding what Record Stores are
• Understadning Data Stores
• Understanding API's and MCP
• Learning What an AI Agent Is
• Parsing and Structured Data
• and more...

This will be a seminar for the first part, and then for those who wish we will setup VSCode and Python on your computer so that you have a place that allows you to start writing your own code.

Note 2: We don't have any food/ drink sponsors so please eat beforehand, or... bring enough for the class!

Note 3: This will be at American Underground after normal hours. I will send out the key code to get into the building before the class so make sure to look in your email for the code before you come. I will be in the classroom by 5pm. Please feel free to come early to talk or setup your computer.