Berkeley D-Lab Large Language Model API Hands-On Tutorial: A Complete Guide to Calling LLMs with Python

UC Berkeley's D-Lab has launched a 2-hour hands-on tutorial titled Python APIs for Large Language Models, targeting social science researchers and developers. It systematically covers core skills for calling LLM APIs with Python, including modules like authentication configuration, request formatting, and structured output design. It supports both local and cloud runtime environments, and the materials are open-source and freely shared.

D-Lab is a research support organization at UC Berkeley, focusing on advancing data-intensive social science and humanities research, and providing practical training and resources. Its services are for researchers of all skill levels, no programming or CS background required. The inclusive philosophy makes the tutorial suitable for beginners in LLM APIs.

The tutorial includes four core modules:

1. API Setup and Authentication: Use the OpenRouter unified gateway to simplify access to multiple models;
2. API Call Formatting: Distinguish between chat/completion endpoints, construct request formats, parameter tuning, context management;
3. Structured Output Design: Use prompts to make LLMs return JSON responses, supporting research scenarios like sentiment classification and topic extraction;
4. Integration and Error Handling: Response parsing, retry logic, rate limit management, cost control.

Prerequisites: It is recommended to complete the Python Fundamentals course first; Environment options:

• Local: Anaconda + Jupyter Lab;
• Cloud: Berkeley DataHub (saves progress), Binder (no account required).

For social science researchers: Large-scale content classification, qualitative data analysis, survey data processing, literature review assistance; For developers: Best practice references, structured output experience, error handling strategies.

The tutorial materials are open-sourced on GitHub under the CC BY 4.0 license, allowing free use, modification, and sharing, reflecting the tradition of academic institutions giving back to the community.

This tutorial balances theory and practice, provides core skills for LLM API development, and demonstrates ways to use AI tools responsibly. It also reflects the role of higher education institutions in the democratization of AI education, narrowing the technical gap through open resources.