Generative AI: Elevate your Software Development Career
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Generative AI: Elevate your Software Development Career
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructor: IBM Skills Network Team
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What you'll learn
Job-ready skills to develop innovative solutions using GenAI tools such as ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Google Gemini, n8n, and Bolt
Develop code, scripts, and automations using generative and agentic AI, including vibe coding workflow
Apply generative AI techniques for application design, architecture, bug detection, code refactoring, and program optimization
Identify generative AI programming risks and ethics issues, and select mitigation strategies
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 5 modules in this course
Generative AI (GenAI) is now an essential skill for software developers keen to future-proof their careers. This course gives existing and aspiring developers the job-ready skills employers are looking for to build intelligent, adaptive, and secure solutions.
You'll learn how to harness generative AI for code generation, software design, bug detection, testing, optimization, and documentation. You'll also explore how AI integrates into DevSecOps and continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, supports translation, review, and security, and strengthens software delivery. You’ll examine large language models (LLMs), natural language processing (NLP), and prompt engineering to gain insight into how to use these technologies effectively. Plus, you’ll look at agentic AI and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for extending autonomy, and you’ll get hands-on with vibe coding tools and practices that transform how developers interact with code. You’ll also consider ethical and responsible AI practices to ensure you innovate responsibly. If you’re keen to leverage GenAI to build software faster and better so you can power your career forward, enroll today!
In this module, you'll explore how modern LLMs and prompt design accelerate everyday coding tasks. You'll learn how to set up your AI environment, craft effective prompts, and evaluate outputs for accuracy and safety. You'll gain hands-on experience generating small code units, refactoring legacy snippets, and producing quick diagrams or static site prototypes—then you'll verify, test, and iterate your prototype to improve results.
What's included
7 videos2 readings2 assignments6 app items8 plugins
7 videos•Total 43 minutes
- Course Introduction•4 minutes
- Introduction to Generative AI in Software Development•6 minutes
- Leveraging Generative AI in Software Development Lifecycle•6 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Gen AI in Software Development•7 minutes
- Large Language Models•8 minutes
- Natural Language Processing and Its Significance•7 minutes
- Demo: Google AI Studio and Vertex AI•4 minutes
2 readings•Total 7 minutes
- IBM Product Spotlight: IBM Bob•2 minutes
- Course Overview•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Generative AI Basics for Software Development•30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Generative AI Basics for Software Development•10 minutes
6 app items•Total 142 minutes
- Lab [Option A - JavaScript]: Creating a Chatbot Using OpenAI and JavaScript•30 minutes
- Lab [Option B - Python]: Creating a Chatbot Using OpenAI and Python•30 minutes
- Lab [Option C - Java]: Creating a Chatbot Using OpenAI and Java•20 minutes
- Lab: [Option A - JavaScript]: Prompt Engineering for Software Development•60 minutes
- Lab [Option B - Python]: Prompt Engineering for Software Development•1 minute
- Lab [Option C - Java]: Prompt Engineering for Software Development•1 minute
8 plugins•Total 68 minutes
- Helpful Tips for Successful Course Completion•3 minutes
- Reading: Setting up the Software Development Environment for AI with VSCode, Copilot, and continue.dev•7 minutes
- Reading: Essential Generative AI Tools for Software Development•6 minutes
- Reading: Tokens in Generative AI•5 minutes
- Lab: Gemini Account Setup and API Key Generation•20 minutes
- Lab [Optional]: OpenAI Account Setup and API Key Generation•20 minutes
- Summary and Highlights: Generative AI basics for Software Development•4 minutes
- Module 1 Glossary: Generative AI Basics for Software Development•3 minutes
In this module, you will explore how generative AI supports software architecture, design patterns, and code generation. You will use AI tools to generate architecture and design diagrams, create database schemas from requirements, build web prototypes, and troubleshoot coding problems. The module emphasizes best practices for scalable, maintainable, and efficient software design using AI assistance.
What's included
8 videos3 assignments4 app items10 plugins
8 videos•Total 39 minutes
- Leveraging AI for Technical Help, Design Patterns, and Architecture•6 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Gen AI for Technical Help and Software Architecture•5 minutes
- Demo: Generating Diagrams using Generative AI•4 minutes
- Building a Static Website Using Generative AI•6 minutes
- Demo: Building Web Prototypes Using Teleport HQ •5 minutes
- Demo: Building Web Prototypes Using V0 by Vercel•4 minutes
- Demo: Coding with Claude Code•5 minutes
- Demo: GitHub Copilot for Code Generation and Troubleshooting•5 minutes
3 assignments•Total 50 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Generative AI for Software Architecture and Code Generation•30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Generative AI for Architecture, Design, and Prototyping•10 minutes
- Practice Quiz: AI for Coding, Prototyping, and Troubleshooting•10 minutes
4 app items•Total 62 minutes
- Lab [Option A - JavaScript]: Get a Solution to the Given Coding Problem•45 minutes
- Lab [Option B - Python]: Get a Solution to the Given Coding Problem•1 minute
- Lab [Option C - Java]: Get a Solution to the Given Coding Problem•1 minute
- Lab: Generate a Database Design Using Generative AI•15 minutes
10 plugins•Total 64 minutes
- Reading: Getting Started with IBM Generative AI Classroom•3 minutes
- Activity: Podcast: AI-First Architecture: Designing Systems for the GenAI Era•5 minutes
- Reading: Considerations for Software Development for Generative AI•6 minutes
- Reading: Generating Architecture and Design Diagrams Using Generative AI•5 minutes
- Reading: AI for Coding and Development•10 minutes
- Reading: Managing Legacy Code with Gen AI•4 minutes
- Summary and Highlights: Generative AI for Software Architecture and Code Generation•4 minutes
- Module 2 Glossary: Generative AI for Software Architecture and Code Generation•2 minutes
- Reading: Cheat Sheet: Generative AI for Software Architecture and Code Generation•5 minutes
- Reading: Useful Prompts for Software Design and Development•20 minutes
In this module, you will learn how generative AI transforms software development by integrating advanced AI techniques into continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), security, testing, and documentation workflows. You will gain hands-on experience with practical tools like Docker and AI-powered test case generation, code translation, and review. Additionally, you will explore essential considerations, including ethical use, security, and best practices for embedding AI in development lifecycles. To support your learning, the module also provides a concise cheat sheet summarizing key concepts and tools related to generative AI in DevSecOps and software testing, serving as a quick reference to enhance your workflow.
What's included
9 videos3 assignments11 app items5 plugins
9 videos•Total 55 minutes
- Introduction to CI/CD Using AI•8 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Gen AI for CI/CD Tools•7 minutes
- Demo: Review Code with Qodo•5 minutes
- Generative AI for Software Testing•6 minutes
- Generative AI Concepts for Security in Software•6 minutes
- Popular Generative AI Tools for Security in Software Development•7 minutes
- Integration of Generative AI into Software Development Workflows•6 minutes
- Ethical Considerations for using Generative AI in Software Development•4 minutes
- Innovation with Generative AI in Software Development•7 minutes
3 assignments•Total 50 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Generative AI for Software Development Workflows and Its Considerations•30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Generative AI for DevSecOps and Testing•10 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Generative AI Ethical Considerations and Limitations•10 minutes
11 app items•Total 216 minutes
- Lab [Option A - Javascript]: Optimize Dockerfiles with Gen AI•30 minutes
- Lab [Option B - Python]: Optimize Dockerfiles with Gen AI•1 minute
- Lab [Option C - Java]: Optimize Dockerfiles with Gen AI•1 minute
- Lab [Option A - Javascript]: Review Code Using Generative AI•60 minutes
- Lab [Option B - Python]: Review Code Using Generative AI•1 minute
- Lab [Option C - Java]: Review Code Using Generative AI•1 minute
- Lab: Generate Test Cases for Specific Use Cases using Generative AI•30 minutes
- Lab [Option A - JavaScript]: Software Documentation Using Generative AI•45 minutes
- Lab [Option B - Python]: Software Documentation Using Generative AI•1 minute
- Lab [Option C - Java]: Software Documentation Using Generative AI•1 minute
- Lab: Code Translation with Generative AI•45 minutes
5 plugins•Total 27 minutes
- Reading: Recommended Practices for Responsible Generative AI Use•9 minutes
- Activity: Podcast: Do You Think Generative AI can Replace Human Effort?•4 minutes
- Podcast: Summary and Highlights: Generative AI for Software Development Workflows and Its Considerations•4 minutes
- Module 3 Glossary: Generative AI for Software Development Workflows and Its Considerations•5 minutes
- Reading: Cheat Sheet: Generative AI for Software Development Workflows and Its Considerations•5 minutes
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of agentic AI and vibe coding. Learn what AI agents are, how they are built using frameworks like N8N and RAG, and how to integrate AI agents with your data and APIs. You'll also explore AI-assisted coding approaches, compare these approaches with traditional methods, and experiment with tools such as Cursor and Bolt. By the end of this module, you'll be able to demonstrate your ability to apply core concepts and practices that make modern coding more adaptive and intelligent.
What's included
11 videos1 reading3 assignments1 app item5 plugins
11 videos•Total 76 minutes
- What are AI Agents?•12 minutes
- Types of AI Agents•10 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Building Blocks of Agentic AI•8 minutes
- Demo: Working with N8N•5 minutes
- RAG Explained•8 minutes
- What is Agentic RAG?•6 minutes
- AI Systems versus Traditional Coding•8 minutes
- Popular AI Coding Tools and Technologies•7 minutes
- Expert Viewpoints: Vibe Coding•6 minutes
- Demo: Working with Cursor•4 minutes
- What is MCP? Integrate AI Agents with Databases and APIs •4 minutes
1 reading•Total 2 minutes
- Summary and Highlights: Building Blocks of Agentic AI•2 minutes
3 assignments•Total 50 minutes
- Graded Quiz: Agentic AI and Vibe Coding•30 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Building Blocks of Agentic AI•10 minutes
- Practice Quiz: Vibe Coding•10 minutes
1 app item•Total 45 minutes
- Summarize Private Documents Using RAG, LangChain, and LLMs•45 minutes
5 plugins•Total 49 minutes
- Reading: Popular Agentic AI Frameworks•4 minutes
- Reading: Introduction to Bolt•5 minutes
- Lab: Build a Full-Stack App with Bolt.new•30 minutes
- Reading: Best Practices for Vibe Coding•5 minutes
- Module 4 Glossary: Agentic AI and Vibe Coding•5 minutes
In this final module, you will consolidate your learning by engaging with a comprehensive project that challenges you to build a personalized learning platform for developers using generative AI. Starting with pre-work to organize your approach, you will explore the project scope and objectives in detail before applying generative AI models to create adaptive learning experiences in CodeCraftHub. The module culminates with a final exam that assesses your understanding and ability to apply generative AI concepts effectively in software development scenarios, preparing you for real-world implementation.
What's included
3 readings1 assignment6 app items5 plugins
3 readings•Total 6 minutes
- What's Next: Explore IBM Bob•1 minute
- Congratulations and Next Steps•3 minutes
- Team and Acknowledgments•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 45 minutes
- Final Exam: Generative AI: Elevate Your Software Development Career•45 minutes
6 app items•Total 316 minutes
- Final Project: Submission and Evaluation•15 minutes
- Final Project Part 1 [Option A - JavaScript]: CodeCraftHub: Building Personalized Learning for Developers•90 minutes
- Final Project Part 1 [Option B - Python]: CodeCraftHub: Building Personalized Learning for Developers•90 minutes
- Final Project Part 1 [Option C- Java]: CodeCraftHub: Building Personalized Learning for Developers•1 minute
- Final Project Part 2: Create a Learning Dashboard using Bolt•60 minutes
- Access Bolt.diy•60 minutes
5 plugins•Total 50 minutes
- Reading: Final Project Overview•5 minutes
- Reading: Course Glossary•15 minutes
- Cheat Sheet: Top Generative AI Prompts for Software Developers•5 minutes
- Course Wrap-Up•5 minutes
- Reading: Enhancing your Software Developer Career with Generative AI•20 minutes
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Reviewed on Sep 3, 2025
Great course. very knowledgeable and easy to follow instructions.
Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024
The Best ever explanation and the best ever course I have taken till date.
Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024
The course was somewhat difficult to follow due to the AI voice implemented.
Frequently asked questions
Generative AI helps developers speed up coding, automate repetitive tasks, and create intelligent solutions. It can generate code snippets, suggest optimizations, detect bugs, and even assist in designing entire software systems.
Yes. Generative AI tools can generate, refactor, and document code in multiple programming languages. They support developers by improving efficiency, reducing human error, and helping teams focus on more complex problem-solving.
Developers use Generative AI to boost productivity, accelerate software delivery, and enhance code quality. It supports faster prototyping, smarter testing, and continuous learning from existing codebases.
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