Introduction to Building Generative AI Java Applications using LangChain4j
1h 42mIntermediate2025-06-27
Authors
Frank Greco
Course details
Generative AI represents an exciting new technology and tool for Java-based IT organizations. Unlike traditional IT systems, which operate in a predictable, deterministic manner, GenAI introduces a probabilistic approach that may seem unfamiliar to many developers.
This course is designed for beginner to intermediate Java developers who need to learn the fundamentals of GenAI to properly and responsibly add this functionality to deployable Java systems. The course focuses on the basics of AI/ML (specifically GenAI) by using core components of the LangChain4j Java API to illustrate foundational concepts.
Learning objectives
Understand the importance of patterns in AI/ML and GenAI.
Know why prompt context is a major key in obtaining effective responses from an LLM.
Be able to use core components of the LangChain4j API.
Understand basic prompting techniques.
Understand the critical importance of context.
Know how to construct a conversation with an LLM and maintain context.
Know the essentials of GenAI sufficiently to know what your next steps should be to hone your GenAI expertise.
This course is designed for beginner to intermediate Java developers who need to learn the fundamentals of GenAI to properly and responsibly add this functionality to deployable Java systems. The course focuses on the basics of AI/ML (specifically GenAI) by using core components of the LangChain4j Java API to illustrate foundational concepts.
Learning objectives
Understand the importance of patterns in AI/ML and GenAI.
Know why prompt context is a major key in obtaining effective responses from an LLM.
Be able to use core components of the LangChain4j API.
Understand basic prompting techniques.
Understand the critical importance of context.
Know how to construct a conversation with an LLM and maintain context.
Know the essentials of GenAI sufficiently to know what your next steps should be to hone your GenAI expertise.
Skills covered
Artificial Intelligence FoundationsProjectArtificial Intelligence (AI)Programming LanguagesSoftware Development
Concepts
Welcome and Introduction
- 01 - Mastering GenAI context in Java with LangChain4j
- 02 - What you should know
1. Generative AI Fundamentals
- 03 - Patterns and large language models
- 04 - Prompts and completions
- 05 - APIs
- 06 - Chatbot architecture
2. Getting Started with LangChain4j
- 07 - Introduction to LangChain4j
- 08 - Exploring basic LangChain4j features
- 09 - Setting up the project in the IDE
- 10 - Lab 1 - Your first LangChain4J program
3. Basic Prompting
- 11 - Understanding prompts
- 12 - ChatMessage types
- 13 - Best practices and tips
- 14 - Lab 2 - Hello world with SystemMessage
4. Advanced Prompt Techniques
- 15 - Review of zero shot
- 16 - Few-shot (or N-shot) prompting
- 17 - Chain of thought
- 18 - Providing context
5. Prompt Templates in LangChain4J
- 19 - What are prompt templates
- 20 - Creating prompt templates
- 21 - Advantages and disadvantages of templates
- 22 - Lab 3 - Text summarization
6. Context Handling
- 23 - The importance of context
- 24 - Prompt structure and context
- 25 - Chatbot context
- 26 - Chatbot Architecture with LangChain4j
- 27 - Lab 4 - Create a chatbot with conversation context
Conclusion and Next Steps
- 28 - Review of key takeaways