Functions, Tools and Agents with LangChain

About this course

This course from DeepLearning.AI teaches you how to build intelligent agents using LangChain — a framework that's rapidly becoming essential for AI development. You'll learn function calling, tool integration, and agent loops, the core patterns that power modern AI applications like ChatGPT plugins and autonomous systems. Whether you're building chatbots, research tools, or automation workflows, these skills form the foundation of production-ready AI.

What you'll learn

• How function calling works and why it's crucial for connecting AI models to real-world actions
• Designing and integrating tools into LangChain agents — from APIs to custom functions
• Building agent loops that let AI systems reason, decide, and execute tasks autonomously
• Using LangChain Expression Language (LCEL) to write clean, composable AI pipelines
• Debugging and testing agents to ensure they behave reliably
• Practical patterns for handling failures and edge cases in agent workflows
• Real-world examples of agents solving problems like data retrieval, scheduling, and task automation

Who this is for

You're ready for this course if you already write Python code and have basic familiarity with how LLMs work. You don't need to be an AI researcher — just curious and hands-on.

• AI/ML Engineers — master the agent patterns you'll encounter in every production AI system
• Backend developers — learn to integrate LLMs into APIs and services without becoming an ML expert
• Startup founders — build AI-powered products faster by understanding agent architecture from day one

Prerequisites

Solid Python knowledge. Basic understanding of what LLMs are and how prompts work. You don't need deep machine learning background — this is about practical engineering, not theory.

Why this matters for Indian learners

AI agent skills are in high demand across Indian tech. Companies like Accenture, TCS, and Infosys are hiring for GenAI roles, and startups in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi are building AI-first products. Whether you're aiming for a role at a consulting firm, a product startup, or building your own AI tool, understanding agents puts you ahead of most candidates — it's the difference between knowing prompts and building systems.

Frequently asked questions

Is this course really free?

Yes. DeepLearning.AI short courses are completely free — no hidden fees, no paid upgrades required. You can learn at your own pace without worrying about costs.

How long will it take to complete?

The course is structured for about 2 hours of active learning. You can finish it in a single weekend, or spread it across 2–3 evenings if you want time to experiment with the code between lessons.

Will I get a certificate?

This course doesn't offer a certificate. That said, the skills you build are what matters — the ability to show working agent code in your portfolio is far more impressive to employers than a certificate.