Structured Output & Function Calling
Start learningGet structured output from LLMs
You need clean JSON and the model keeps giving you prose. Master schemas, function calling, and structured output so your AI feature plays nicely with the rest of your code.
Overview
You need clean JSON and the model keeps giving you prose. Master schemas, function calling, and structured output so your AI feature plays nicely with the rest of your code. Octo builds this course around your role, your experience, and what you already know, so the version you get isn't the same one a beginner across the hall is reading.
What you'll learn
By the end, you'll be able to do these, not just have read about them.
Use JSON mode and schemas to make model output programmatic
Design schemas that are easy for both you and the model
Validate, repair, and recover from malformed structured output
Wire function calling into existing services without spaghetti
Who this is for
You're an engineer or PM whose work now includes shipping AI features.
You're a curious operator who uses LLMs daily and wants the substance behind the surface.
You're an experienced ML or applied-AI practitioner adding a new specialty.
Prerequisites
Working familiarity with the basics of the topic, the kind of thing you'd pick up in a beginner course.
Some real-world reps, even if informal.
Suggested chapters
This is the typical chapter list. Your version is generated against your background and adapts as you go. It may compress, expand, or reorder these.
- 01
Foundations of Structured Output & Function Calling
The mental model and shared vocabulary you'll lean on for the rest of the course.
- 02
Core building blocks
The handful of moves that show up everywhere, drilled until they feel obvious.
- 03
Working through real examples
Applied patterns on examples close to the kind of work you actually do.
- 04
Edge cases & failure modes
Where the simple version breaks, and how to recognize it before it bites you.
- 05
Putting it together
Combining what you've learned into something end-to-end and defensible.
- 06
Capstone
A small project tied to your real work that proves you can use the material, not just recall it.
Real-world projects
- 01Apply structured output & function calling to a small problem from your actual work or studies.
- 02Produce one written or built artifact you can put on your resume, portfolio, or in a review packet.
- 03Run a self-graded capstone against an Octo-provided rubric.
Tools & concepts
Real tools and ideas covered. Octo brings them in when they fit your stack.
- LLM APIs
- Embeddings
- Vector databases
- Prompting patterns
- Evals
- Streaming
- Function calling
Where this leads
- 01
Applied AI / ML engineer roles
- 02
Stronger AI fluency in your current role
- 03
Foundation for advanced AI specialties
Common questions
Is this a fixed course, or is it built for me?
Built for you. The chapter list below is a typical outline. Your actual course is generated against your role, experience, and what you already know, then adapts as you go.
How long does it take?
Most learners finish in 2–6 weeks at a normal pace, depending on the topic. Octo compresses where you're strong and slows down where you're weak.
Is there a fixed schedule or cohort?
No. You start when you start. There's no live session, no calendar, no deadline.
Can I ask questions while I'm learning?
Yes, every module has an AI Sidekick in the margin. Ask for a different example, push back, or get a clarifying analogy without leaving the page.
What do I get at the end?
A verifiable, HMAC-signed certificate with a public verify page. It records the modules passed, scores, and capstone, not just attendance.
How much does it cost?
Octo is in research preview, courses are open. We'll be transparent before pricing changes.
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