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AI / Machine Learning

Phase 3: Direct AI API Access

10 Modules
Chapter 1: Phase 3: Direct AI API Access10%

Phase 3: Direct AI API Access

Unlock the Full Power of AI Models — Directly

Welcome to Phase 3 (AI APIs & Vibe Coding). In the next 3 hours, you'll move beyond consumer AI interfaces and connect directly to the world's most capable AI models. You'll compare providers, understand costs, and build a multi-model command centre that saves you money while delivering superior results.

Workshop Overview

This phase transforms you from an AI subscription consumer into a professional who commands multiple AI models through their APIs. You'll set up accounts with Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), and Google (Gemini), test each model head-to-head, and learn the token economics that make direct API access 10x cheaper than monthly subscriptions.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this phase, you will:

Core Capabilities

  • ✅ Connect to AI APIs from Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google
  • ✅ Obtain, store, and rotate API keys securely
  • ✅ Compare model capabilities across providers (Claude Fable 5, Opus 4.8, Sonnet 4.6, Haiku 4.5; GPT-4o, o3; Gemini 2.5 Pro/Flash)
  • ✅ Understand token economics and calculate real costs per task
  • ✅ Configure Claude Code and the Continue extension for multi-model access

Professional Skills

  • 💰 Reduce AI costs by 70-90% compared to consumer subscriptions
  • 🔄 Switch between models strategically based on task requirements
  • 🔒 Manage API keys with proper security practices
  • 📊 Track and control spending across multiple providers
  • 🧪 Evaluate model output quality for your specific work

Immediate Benefits

  • 💡 Access to 5+ leading AI models from your editor
  • ⚡ Build a content generation workflow using the best model for each stage
  • 🎯 Make informed decisions about which model to use and when
  • 🚀 Professional-grade AI setup ready for daily use

Workshop Structure

Chapter Navigation

  1. Introduction — Beyond ChatGPT (10 min)

    • Why direct API access changes everything
    • The cost revolution: subscriptions vs pay-per-use
    • What you'll build this morning

  2. Core Concepts — Understanding AI APIs (30 min)

    • REST APIs, authentication, and request anatomy
    • Token economics and pricing across providers
    • Context windows, rate limits, and model selection
    • Key parameters: temperature, max_tokens, streaming

  3. Hands-On Setup — Your Multi-Model Command Centre (90 min)

    • Claude Code setup and Anthropic API keys
    • OpenAI account and GPT model configuration
    • Google Gemini and free-tier setup
    • Groq free inference for open-source models
    • Security: environment variables and .gitignore

  4. Practical Exercises — Model Mastery (30 min)

    • Model shootout: creative, technical, and analytical tasks
    • Context window challenge with long documents
    • Speed vs quality vs cost trade-offs
    • Multi-model workflow: research to polished output

  5. Real Project — Multi-Model Content Pipeline (20 min)

    • Build a professional deliverable using multiple models
    • Four project paths: business, academic, technical, creative
    • Real cost tracking and model preference documentation

  6. Assessment — Validate Your Skills (10 min)

    • Knowledge check on API concepts and model selection
    • Practical tasks: API calls, cost calculations, troubleshooting
    • Reflection on workflow transformation

  7. Resources — Continue Your Journey

    • Provider documentation and console links
    • Python and curl reference for all three providers
    • Cost calculators, community links, and advanced techniques

Who This Workshop Is For

Perfect For:

  • 📚 Researchers: Who need to process large documents and generate analyses
  • 💼 Business Professionals: Who want AI-generated reports, proposals, and summaries
  • 🎨 Content Creators: Who produce articles, social media copy, and marketing materials
  • 🏛️ Consultants: Who need multi-perspective analysis and rapid content generation
  • 🚀 Anyone: Who pays for ChatGPT, Claude Pro, or Gemini Advanced subscriptions

You'll Succeed If You:

  • Completed the Phase 1 workshop (VS Code setup) or have VS Code running
  • Can create online accounts and enter payment details
  • Want to reduce AI costs dramatically
  • Are curious about comparing different AI models

No Experience Required In:

  • ❌ Programming or software development
  • ❌ API usage or web services
  • ❌ Command-line interfaces (we walk through every step)
  • ❌ Machine learning or AI theory

Technical Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

  • VS Code: Installed and running (from Phase 1)
  • Internet: Stable connection for API calls
  • Browser: For creating provider accounts
  • Email: For verification codes
  • Payment Method: Credit or debit card (you'll spend approximately £3-5 total)

Accounts We'll Create:

  • Anthropic Console (Claude models) — API key + £5-10 credit
  • OpenAI Platform (GPT models) — API key + £5-10 credit
  • Google AI Studio (Gemini models) — free tier, no card required
  • Groq Console (open-source models) — free, no card required

Learning Approach

Our Teaching Philosophy:

  • Hands-On First: Set up real accounts, make real API calls
  • Compare and Decide: Test models head-to-head so you form your own preferences
  • Real Economics: Track actual costs, not theoretical estimates
  • Immediate Payoff: Leave with a working multi-model setup you'll use tomorrow
  • Non-Developer Friendly: Every step explained; no prior coding knowledge needed

Workshop Timing:

  • Total Duration: 3 hours
  • Format: Self-paced with suggested timings
  • Breaks: Take as needed between chapters
  • Practice: 70% hands-on, 30% concepts

Success Stories

"I was paying £57 a month for three AI subscriptions. Now I spend about £4 and have access to better models with more control." — James Chen, Marketing Director

"Being able to switch between Claude for writing and Gemini for long documents is a genuine superpower. The cost comparison exercise alone was worth the morning." — Dr. Sarah Ahmed, Research Scientist

"I had no idea you could talk to these models directly. The setup took 20 minutes and I've already saved a month's subscription cost." — Michael Torres, Management Consultant

Ready to Start?

Quick Readiness Check:

  • VS Code installed and running
  • Internet connection available
  • Email access for provider sign-ups
  • Credit/debit card to hand (for Anthropic and OpenAI)
  • 3 hours of focused time
  • A real project or task to enhance with AI

Begin Your Transformation

Start with the Introduction -->

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Pro Tips for Success

  1. Set spending limits first: Every provider lets you cap monthly spend. Do this before anything else.
  2. Start with the cheapest models: Haiku 4.5 and GPT-4o-mini handle most tasks brilliantly.
  3. Keep a comparison log: Note which model impressed you for each task type.
  4. Don't memorise pricing: It changes frequently. Bookmark the provider consoles.
  5. Use your real work: Generic test prompts won't reveal which model suits your needs.

Support & Community

  • Questions? Use the workshop Discord channel
  • Stuck on setup? Check the troubleshooting section in Chapter 2
  • Share results: Post your model comparisons in the workshop channel
  • Stay connected: Join our alumni network for ongoing tips

After this morning, you'll never overpay for AI access again. Let's connect you directly to the most powerful models on the planet.

Start Phase 3: Introduction -->