Vector databases have become increasingly essential in the realm of technology, particularly in the surge of generative AI applications. But what exactly are vector databases, and how do they contribute to the development of these cutting-edge technologies? Join us for an interactive **Microhack with [Raihan Alam](https://www.linkedin.com/in/raihanalam/) and [Lace Lofranco](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacelofranco/)**[ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacelofranco/) designed to demystify vector databases and explore their role in generative AI applications.

*Key Topics Covered:*
1\. Understanding fundamental vector database concepts
2\. Generating and ingesting vector embeddings
3\. Information retrieval techniques
4\. Real\-world use cases of generative AI applications

**Who is this for?**
This Microhack is tailored for individuals interested in building GenAI applications. **No prior experience in machine learning or data science is required.** However, a basic understanding of GenAI and Large Language Models would enhance your learning experience. We'll provide all necessary scripts, so basic Python knowledge is sufficient.

To make the best use of our time, we highly recommend to come prepared with your machine:

* **IDE** \- For consistency\, we recommend everyone to use [VS Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/). Our samples scripts and configurations are built with VS Code, so other IDEs may require some troubleshooting to get started with.
* **Python** \- We shall need Python 3\.10 or later versions\. We shall be using Conda virtual environments for installing and using python\. To learn more about how to use Conda virtual environment with VS Code\, please check this link \- [Using Python Environments in Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/python/environments)
* **Jupyter Extension for VS Code** \- It's an extension that provides basic notebook support for language kernels that are supported in Jupyter Notebooks today\, and allows any Python environment to be used as a Jupyter kernel\. Please check [Jupyter Notebooks in VS Code ](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/datascience/jupyter-notebooks)to understand how to use this extension.
* **Conda environment file** \- Please follow the [instructions](https://github.com/ra1han/vector-db-microhack/blob/main/README.md)

**Our presenters**
**[Lace Lofranco](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacelofranco/) -** Lace is a Principal Software Engineering Manager at Microsoft as part of the Industry Solutions Engineering (ISE) team where she leads a global team of data engineers. As part of ISE, she works with the world's leading companies to solve challenging technical challenges, accelerate technology adoptions and drive engineering excellence. Aside from being a data nerd, she enjoys keeping active doing triathlon, trail running, and scuba diving.

**[Raihan Alam](https://www.linkedin.com/in/raihanalam/) -** Raihan is a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, working with a team that specializes in all aspects of data engineering. His recent collaborations involve closely working with numerous Fortune 500 companies to develop and deploy GenAI applications. He specializes in vector databases and in operationalizing GenAI applications following LLMOps and DataOps methodologies. He has over a decade of experience in expanding engineering teams and executing data and analytics initiatives.

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