Work & Development · Applied AI & Tool Integration

Build Your First AI API Integration

Build a course-question assistant with private server keys, checked sources and clear limits.

Level: Advanced
Lessons: 8 lessons in 4 modules
Estimated study: About 10 hours
Format: Online, self-paced

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Monthly: $0 today with a card, then $34 on day 4 unless you cancel before then. After the trial, 30 days' notice applies. Active on-campus students have academy access included. Check your existing student account before buying another subscription.

Before you start

Recommended preparation:

Use a computer with a keyboard and a current browser. Individual lessons explain the tools needed for each exercise.

Full study requires active Academy access. This course can be audited independently of optional assessed programs.

About this course

Build a small assistant for a fictional academy. Learn how your server checks access, sends a model request, checks answers and limits costs. Start after JavaScript, async/await, HTTP, Node.js, authentication, server environment variables and basic SQL. The 10-hour estimate includes reading, coding, debugging, checks and a final project. Every required exercise works with local practice responses. Optional provider calls need your own account and may use paid credits. Further AI courses are separate from this course.

What you will be able to do

Build a bounded server integration with authentication, authorization and private configuration.
Validate answers and citations against permitted fictional source records.
Handle incomplete responses, cancellation, provider errors and usage limits.
Evaluate the FAQ assistant and require explicit confirmation for a mock support action.

Course outline

Check the user and input before making a server-side model request.

Design the boundary between your user and the model1 h 15 minFree preview
Make your first server-side model request1 h 15 min

Set answer rules, check returned text and show loading, cancellation and error states.

Write prompts and validate answer contracts1 h 15 min
Handle streaming, cancellation, and errors1 h 15 min

Find permitted sources and require approval before a proposed action runs.

Ground answers in authorized course records1 h 15 min
Introduce tools and MCP with controlled actions1 h 15 min

Test answers and costs, then finish a reproducible fictional FAQ project.

Evaluate quality and enforce cost limits1 h 15 min
Build and present a fictional academy FAQ1 h 15 min

Related assessed programs

This course belongs to the following optional programs. Each has its own required course bundle, evidence review and separate fee. Each program page shows its approved fee and current registration status.