# Introduction to Generative AI

Source: https://freeaicourses.com/courses/google-introduction-to-generative-ai
Last checked: 2026-09-15

## Who it is for

- Busy professionals who want the short version
- Anyone who needs a fast primer before a longer course

## Who should skip it

- Anyone who wants to build something
- People who already know what an LLM is

## What you can do afterwards

- Explain what generative AI is in one paragraph
- Tell generative models apart from other ML
- Name a few Google tools that use it

## What the course covers

- What generative AI is: Definitions and how it relates to machine learning.
- How it works: A conceptual look at models that generate text and images.
- Google's tools: Where Google applies it today.

## What works

- Short
- Free
- Clear definitions

## What does not

- Leans on Google's own products
- No hands-on practice

## The catch

It doubles as a showcase for Google Cloud products, so expect some product placement.

## Take before

Nothing. This is a starting course: you need no AI or coding background.

## Take after

Generative AI for Everyone

## Verdict

Useful if you need a quick, credible overview before a meeting. Too thin to be your only course, so pair it with Generative AI for Everyone for more depth.

## Related pages

- [Generative AI for Everyone](https://freeaicourses.com/courses/generative-ai-for-everyone)
- [Google](https://freeaicourses.com/platforms/google)
- [All free AI courses, rated](https://freeaicourses.com/courses)