Introduction to RAG Systems

~8 hours 30 minutes total
Beginner Level
14 Chapters
Available Now

Discover how Retrieval-Augmented Generation transforms AI applications by giving language models access to external knowledge. Learn when to use RAG, how it works, and why it's revolutionizing how we build AI systems that need current, private, or specialized information.

What You'll Learn

  • • Why RAG solves the "frozen knowledge" problem of LLMs
  • • The complete RAG pipeline: retrieve, augment, generate
  • • When to choose RAG vs. fine-tuning vs. prompt engineering
  • • Real-world RAG applications across industries
  • • Technical components and business ROI considerations

Prerequisites

  • • Basic understanding of AI/LLMs (ChatGPT user level)
  • • Interest in practical AI applications
  • • Business or technical background helpful but not required
  • • No coding required - focuses on concepts and strategy

Course Outline Course Outline & Time Estimates

1

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG...

4 min
2

Prerequisites and Preparation

4 min
3

Chapter 0: Essential RAG Terminology Guide

*Your reference for all technical terms used throughout thi...

13 min
4

Chapter 1: The RAG Revolution: Why It Changes Everything

10 min
5

Chapter 2: How RAG Works: The Complete Mental Model

11 min
6

Chapter 3: The Four Pillars of RAG Systems

Understanding RAG requires grasping its four fundamental co...

119 min
7

Chapter 4: RAG vs. Alternatives: When to Choose What

Understanding when RAG is the right solution requires compa...

16 min
8

Chapter 5: Real-World Use Cases Across Industries

RAG systems are transforming how organizations handle infor...

72 min
9

Chapter 6: Understanding the Technical Pipeline

While you don't need to implement RAG from scratch, underst...

81 min
10

Chapter 7: Business Impact and ROI

Understanding the business value of RAG helps justify inves...

33 min
11

Chapter 8: Common Challenges and Solutions

Every RAG implementation faces predictable challenges. Unde...

70 min
12

Chapter 9: Future of RAG Technology

Understanding where RAG is heading helps you make informed ...

20 min
13

Chapter 10: Getting Started: Your RAG Journey

Based on your understanding of RAG concepts, here's how to ...

54 min
14

Chapter 11: Conclusion: RAG as a Transformative Technology

Retrieval-Augmented Generation represents a fundamental shi...

3 min

Ready to understand how RAG transforms AI applications?

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