Today’s topic will cover a new LinkedIn Learning Course here: If you can code in .NET, you are an AI developer | LinkedIn Learning focused on Semantic Kernel Fundamentals. We are excited to welcome back José Luis Latorre Millás, an MVP for Microsoft focused on AI who worked on this to dive in further.

From a Silver Light to Embracing the Kernel’s “Magical Power”

I remember the first time I encountered Silverlight. It was like discovering a shiny new gem in the vast landscape of Microsoft’s technologies. Silverlight was Microsoft’s latest offering, a powerful tool for building rich internet applications, and it captured my heart immediately. It wasn’t just another framework; it was a game-changer. I was so captivated by its potential that I left everything behind to become a consultant, sharing my newfound love for this technology with anyone who would listen. This dedication and passion led me to become one of the few (I think 26) Microsoft MVPs for Silverlight.

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. When Silverlight was no more, I found myself on a relentless quest for the next big thing that could capture my engineer heart. Months turned into years as I explored various technologies, each promising but not quite hitting the mark.

Until one fateful day around the middle of last year, I stumbled upon something that reignited that long-lost spark. It was Semantic Kernel. From the very first line of code, I knew this was different. This wasn’t just another tool; it was a paradigm shift. Semantic Kernel felt like magic, allowing me to weave intricate AI solutions seamlessly into my .NET applications. The more I explored, the deeper my fascination grew.

Semantic Kernel

Of course, it was not all magical sparks, as the technology was being developed and in preview, reaching its 1.0 release in early December 2023. I couldn’t keep this excitement to myself. The urge to share this incredible discovery was overwhelming. So, I began speaking about it at various talks and conferences, and finally, I decided to create a comprehensive course dedicated to it. I was lucky and thankful to have recently passed the LinkedIn Learning author process for another course. My editor understood my passion and put me in contact with the right people to push this internally – thank you, Jeff! And also, thank you, Natalie, for believing in me.

And now, I’m thrilled to announce my first LinkedIn Learning course: Semantic Kernel in Action: Fundamentals.

The Course

This course is a journey through the fascinating world of Semantic Kernel. It’s designed to empower .NET developers to harness the full potential of Generative AI in their applications. Released at the end of May 2024, this intermediate-level course spans a bit more than 4 hours of comprehensive content. You’ll gain a deep understanding of Semantic Kernel’s capabilities, including plug-ins, planners, and memories, as well as Agents. We will also create a researcher application together at the end, utilizing advanced prompt functionalities and creating a plugin

Highlights

• Comprehensive Overview: Understand the core concepts of Semantic Kernel, including its current capabilities and preview features like Agents.
• Hands-On Experience: Set up your environment with GitHub Codespaces, create and orchestrate plug-ins, master planners, and work with memories.
• Final Project: Bring all the concepts together in a final project that showcases your new skills.

What sets this course apart is its practical, hands-on approach. It’s filled to the brim with examples and code exercises. We’ll code together, ensuring you not only learn but also apply the concepts in real-time. The course environment is ready to use via GitHub Codespaces, making the learning process smooth and enjoyable. Essentially, it will run on your machine as long as you have a browser and are connected to the Internet.

Your Gateway to Generative AI

This course is meant to be your gateway to the cutting edge of generative AI. By the end, you’ll be able to integrate powerful AI components into your .NET applications, revolutionizing the way you approach software development. This isn’t just about learning a new tool; it’s about changing your mindset and embracing a new programming paradigm.

Thank you!

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible LinkedIn team: Natalie Pao, Jeff Kellum, and my producer Todd Lagerberg. Your relentless motivation and support have been invaluable. Special thanks to my department lead Philippe Birbaum and the AI lead at Swiss Life, Daniel Schmitter, for motivating me. To the Semantic Kernel team, especially Matthew Bolaños, Evan Chaki, Sophia Lagerkrans-Pandey, John Maeda, Mark Wallace, Roger Barreto, and the entire SK team – it’s an honor to teach what you are creating.

Check out the course here: Semantic Kernel in Action: Fundamentals

If you’re a .NET enthusiast and curious about how to integrate AI into your applications, this course is a must-try. It’s powerful, mind-blowing, and will make you feel like a magician again! 🪄✨

From the Semantic Kernel team, we want to thank José for his time. We’re always interested in hearing from you. If you have feedback, questions or want to discuss further, feel free to reach out to us and the community on the Semantic Kernel GitHub Discussion Channel! We would also love your support, if you’ve enjoyed using Semantic Kernel, give us a star on GitHub.