Become AI Engineer
12 weeks · 4 milestones
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Install Python via pyenv, create an isolated virtual environment, obtain an API key from Anthropic or OpenAI, and make your first successful API call that returns a real model response. The goal is a working, reproducible environment — not perfect code.
Proof required
Screen recording (2–3 min) showing your terminal: Python version, pip list with anthropic or openai installed, and a live API call running that returns a real response. Narrate what each step does. The API key must load from an environment variable — never appear on screen.
What gets checked
- API key loads from a .env file or environment variable — it must not be visible anywhere in the recording
- The API response is from the real model (not mocked) — the model name appears in the response object
- Environment is isolated via venv or conda — not installed to system Python
Resources
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python-dotenv
The standard way to load API keys from a .env file. Learn the pattern now — every project you ship will use it.
Unlocks after completing Foundation + Depth