AI concepts for developers and technology professionals
Microsoft Learn
Last updated February 28, 2026
A plain-language tour of the main kinds of artificial intelligence, written for people who already work in technology but are new to AI. It introduces core concepts and terminology, then walks through the common workloads in turn: generative AI and agents, computer vision, speech, natural language processing and text analysis, and information extraction. Responsible AI runs alongside as a recurring theme rather than an afterthought. The path is built around understanding what each capability does and where it fits, not around writing code, and Microsoft positions it as preparation for the AI-901: Azure AI Fundamentals exam.
What you'll learn
- Core AI concepts and terminology across the main workload types
- Generative AI and AI agents: large language models, prompts, and what agents add
- Computer vision and speech (recognition and synthesis) at a concept level
- Natural language processing, text analysis, and information extraction
- Responsible AI as a cross-cutting concern
Frequently asked questions about AI concepts for developers and technology professionals
Who is AI concepts for developers and technology professionals for?
Developers and technology professionals who want an accurate, jargon-light map of AI's main capabilities before going deeper.
Is AI concepts for developers and technology professionals free?
Yes — AI concepts for developers and technology professionals is completely free to take.
What are the prerequisites for AI concepts for developers and technology professionals?
A basic understanding of computing concepts and math. No coding required.
Why we suggest this course
For a developer, engineer, or other technical professional who needs an accurate mental map of AI before specializing, this gives the vocabulary and the landscape in one short path — what generative AI, computer vision, speech, and language workloads each do, and how responsible AI cuts across all of them. One thing to know: it is pitched at a technical audience and assumes a basic grounding in computing and math, so it is neither a hands-on coding course nor a primer for a non-technical reader.