Mastering Large Language Models - by Ajay Rawat & Vardan Pathak (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This book is a hands-on guide designed to help readers understand, build, and deploy powerful AI solutions using Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), agentic systems, and intelligent chatbots.

Starting with the fundamentals--LLM architecture, tokenization, APIs, and fine-tuning--the book gradually builds toward complex, integrated systems. Readers will learn to implement RAG pipelines using vector databases like FAISS and Pinecone, develop autonomous AI agents that complete multi-step tasks, and create real-world chatbots that understand and adapt to user needs. The approach is project-driven: each chapter includes visual explanations, step-by-step code walkthroughs, and deployment-ready examples. From building a personal assistant that searches your notes to creating a scheduling agent, every project reinforces both technical skills and applied understanding. It emphasizes clarity, inclusivity, and real-world relevance--helping readers move confidently from basic understanding to complex applications.

Whether you're exploring Agentic AI or looking to build production-ready systems, this book gives you the tools to turn curiosity into capability--and innovation into impact.

What you will learn:

• Build intelligent chatbots and tools using open-source LLMs like GPT, LLaMA, and Mistral with guided deployment steps.
• Combine LLMs with vector databases like FAISS and Pinecone to create accurate, context-aware AI systems.
• Design AI agents capable of planning and executing complex workflows for automation and decision-making.
• Apply prompt engineering, memory, and multimodal tools to build real-world AI apps for your project portfolio.

Who this book is for:

Machine Learning engineers, data scientists, and AI professionals interested in learning how to build real-world AI systems using Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Agentic AI, and intelligent chatbots.

About the Author

Ajay Rawat is a Data Engineer at the Hartree Centre, STFC, UKRI, with over 20 years of experience spanning academia, industry, and professional training. His expertise includes data engineering, cloud computing, AI/LLMs, and big data technologies. A former Assistant Professor, Ajay has delivered 200+ global trainings for organizations like Google, Citibank, and Walmart, and authored research in cloud computing, fault tolerance, and AI-driven systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering and multiple certifications across Databricks, Google Cloud, and Confluent. He is based in London, UK.