AI Engineering Essentials
AI Essentials
For developers ready to build with LLMs — OpenAI and Claude APIs, structured outputs, function calling, RAG basics, and AI-assisted development with Claude Code and Cursor.
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Format
- Part-time · Remote
- Tuition
- KES 20,000
- Level
- Intermediate
From API call to shipped feature.
You can already build web apps. Now add AI. This course bridges the gap between reading API docs and shipping AI features users love — structured outputs, function calling, RAG, and AI-assisted coding with the tools that are changing how developers work.
What you will learn
- OpenAI and Claude API integration
- Structured outputs and function calling
- RAG basics: embeddings, vector search, retrieval
- AI-assisted development with Claude Code and Cursor
- Ship an AI feature into a real application
Course Details
What is this course?
A 4-week course for working developers who want to add AI capabilities to their toolkit. Covers LLM APIs, structured data extraction, basic RAG, and the AI coding tools that are reshaping developer workflows.
Who it’s for
- Developers who want to add AI features to existing applications
- Engineers curious about Claude Code, Cursor, and AI-assisted development
- Product engineers tasked with adding AI to their product
- Marathon graduates extending their skills into AI
Prerequisites
- Working proficiency in JavaScript or Python
- Experience building and deploying web applications
- Familiarity with REST APIs
- Basic understanding of JSON and data structures
Why learn this
- AI features are becoming table stakes for modern applications
- The developer who can ship AI features is 10x more valuable than one who cannot
- Claude Code and Cursor are changing how production code gets written
- RAG is the most practical AI pattern for business applications
Why study at McTaba Labs
- Designed for developers, not data scientists
- Ship an AI feature into a real app, not a notebook demo
- Covers AI-assisted development tools you will use every day
- Practical projects with African market context
Curriculum
5 modules covering everything you need.
Week 1
- API authentication and configuration
- Chat completions, system prompts, and parameters
- Cost management and model selection
Career Outcomes
Where this course can take you.
AI-Capable Developer
Add AI features to any web application with confidence.
Product Engineer
Ship AI-powered features that solve real user problems.
Freelance AI Feature Builder
Offer AI integration as a paid service to clients.
Startup CTO
Make informed technical decisions about AI in your product.
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DetailsShip AI features, not demos.
Apply for AI Engineering Essentials.
Questions? WhatsApp us at +254 727 795 603 or book a discovery call.