Mastering Large Language Models

This book is a hands-on guide designed to help readers understand, build, and deploy powerful AI solutions using Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agentic systems, and intelligent chatbots.

Starting with the fundamentals―LLM architecture, tokenization, APIs, and fine-tuning―the book gradually builds toward complex, integrated systems. Readers will learn to implement RAG pipelines using vector databases like FAISS and Pinecone, develop autonomous AI agents that complete multi-step tasks, and create real-world chatbots that understand and adapt to user needs. The approach is project-driven: each chapter includes visual explanations, step-by-step code walkthroughs, and deployment-ready examples. From building a personal assistant that searches your notes to creating a scheduling agent, every project reinforces both technical skills and applied understanding. It emphasizes clarity, inclusivity, and real-world relevance―helping readers move confidently from basic understanding to complex applications.

Whether you're exploring Agentic AI or looking to build production-ready systems, this book gives you the tools to turn curiosity into capability―and innovation into impact.

What you will learn:

• Build intelligent chatbots and tools using LLMs like GPT, LLaMA, and Mistral with guided development steps.
• Combine LLMs with vector databases like FAISS and Pinecone to create accurate, context-aware AI systems.
• Design AI agents capable of planning and executing complex workflows for automation and decision-making.
• Apply prompt engineering, memory, and multimodal tools to build real-world AI apps for your project portfolio.

Who this book is for:

Machine Learning engineers, data scientists, and AI professionals interested in learning how to build real-world AI systems using Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Agentic AI, and intelligent chatbots.

Ajay Rawat, PhD, is a Lecturer in Computing at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, with over 20 years of experience spanning academia, industry, and professional training.
Previously a data engineer at the Hartree Centre, STFC (UKRI), he has led strategic projects in data engineering, AI, and LLM/RAG systems on cloud platforms. Ajay is an
Authorized Instructor for Databricks, Google Cloud, and Confluent, having delivered 400+ global training sessions to professionals at organizations including Google, Citibank,
Walmart, and PayPal. He was awarded the Pluralsight Elite Instructor Award for exceptional delivery quality and learner impact. A former assistant professor with over 13 years of higher-education teaching experience, Ajay holds a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, an MS from BITS Pilani, and 14+ professional certifications from Databricks, Google Cloud, and Confluent. His research spans cloud computing fault tolerance, AI-driven systems, and deep learning. He is the founder of SkillSage LTD and is based in Warrington, UK.

Vardan Pathak is a senior consultant, author, and corporate trainer with over 20 years of experience in IT and management consulting and more than 10 years specializing in machine learning (ML), deep learning, and Agentic AI. He is the author of Clone the Mind, a book on AI Agents that demonstrates how Agentic AI can replace repetitive roles and reshape industries using LangGraph and CrewAI. Vardan brings hands-on expertise in Python, Generative AI, RAG pipelines, diffusion models, and MCP-based enterprise workflows.
A highly sought-after global trainer, he has delivered 100+ training programs to professionals across the United States, Canada, Singapore, Dubai, Australia, Europe, and the UK, covering data science, ML, deep learning, and Agentic AI for corporate and academic audiences. He holds an MCA from UP Technical University, India, and is a SkillSage AI Advisor. He is based in Greater Noida, India.