AI
The AI Compendium
a Build Labs guide
A Build Labs guide · v1.0

A map of the AI world, for people just starting.

An opinionated, hand-curated index of the tools, platforms, and patterns worth knowing — so you can stop reading takes and start building something.

The four shelves

Where to look for what.

Why this exists

Most "intro to AI" content is hype, jargon, or both.

The AI Compendium is the guide we wish we'd had: a small, careful set of tools and patterns that have earned their place. No 500-item listicles. No "ultimate stack" diagrams. Just the few things you'd actually use, with a short note on when to reach for each.

If you're a developer, this gives you vocabulary and a starting shape. If you're not, it gives you a map of the territory before you commit to a direction.

The roadmap

Seven steps from curious to capable.

Step 01
Have a real conversation with a model
Step 02
Learn prompt engineering by feedback
Step 03
Use AI in your daily workflow
Step 04
Build something small with the API