Local LLM Learning

A practical curriculum for understanding local large-language-model inference.

The syllabus builds concepts in dependency order. Labs turn those concepts into operating intuition, and flashcards reinforce only the knowledge worth retrieving from memory.

Start here

1. Read Module 1: The inference path.
2. Complete Lab 1: Trace one token.
3. Review the Module 1 deck.
4. Continue to Module 2: Model memory and Lab 2: Calculate model sizes.

Learning loop

For each topic:

1. Read it.
2. Explain it in your own words.
3. Calculate the important quantities.
4. Run an experiment.
5. Compare prediction with observation.
6. Capture only the cards needed to prevent decay.

Repository structure

• syllabus.md — the ordered curriculum and exit criteria
• modules/ — complete lessons, exercises, and assessments
• glossary.md — concise definitions of foundational terms
• flashcards/ — CSV decks suitable for Anki import
• labs/ — practical exercises and recording templates

Flashcard CSV columns are front, back, tags, and source.