As 2024 comes close to the end, and with Christmas just a day away, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on an incredible year. This year was marked by curiosity, innovation, and a commitment to growth. With 35 blog posts published, I explored various topics and shared practical insights along the way. Here’s a snapshot of what defined my journey through 2024.
- Highlights of the Year
- Expanding my Horizon of the Bee Agent Framework
- Unleashing the Power of watsonx.ai
- Creating Cheat Sheets for Developers (and Myself!)
- Exploring Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Providing practical guides with IBM Cloud
- With this in mind, these are the trending Topics and Insights
- AI Agent Development and Functionality
- Automation for AI Model Validation
- Setup and configurations
- Summary
1. My Highlights of the Year 2024
1.1. Expanding my Horizon of the Bee Agent Framework
One of the standout themes of this year was my work with the Bee Agent Framework. From integrating custom Python weather tools to building TypeScript-based system tool, I focused on enhancing agent functionality. Example projects ranged from travel assistants to seamless interactions with watsonx.ai. Sharing step-by-step guides was a rewarding part of this journey, enabling others to replicate and innovate.
1.2. Unleashing the Power of watsonx.ai
IBM’s Watsonx.ai took center stage in many of my projects. I delved into its integration with frameworks like LangChain, powering applications from weather agents to experimental function calls. This journey wasn’t just about learning—it was about providing practical, actionable examples for others to follow.
1.3. Creating Cheat Sheets for Developers (and Myself!)
This year, I leaned into simplicity and utility. I compiled cheat sheets to guide both myself and fellow developers through complex setups like Podman machines, IBM Cloud configurations, and remote development using VS Code. These resources are designed to save time and empower creators to focus on what they do best: building amazing things
1.4. Exploring Large Language Models (LLMs)
Fine-tuning, automating, and deploying LLMs played a key role in my year. I explored how AI can elevate user interactions, from setting up Text Generation Inference servers to customizing models for multi-turn conversations. Experimenting with platforms like InstructLab demonstrated how open-source tools and collaboration can drive innovation.
1.5. Providing practical guides with IBM Cloud
IBM Cloud Virtual Server Instances became my go-to environment for exploring GPU-powered AI applications and creating dynamic visualizations. One standout project involved combining Shelly 3EM, Grafana, and IBM Cloud to efficiently monitor electricity usage. It was a perfect blend of hardware, cloud services, and data visualization.
2. With this in mind, these were the trending Topics and Insights in 2024
2.1 AI Agent Development and Functionality
This year, integrating tools into cohesive agent frameworks gained significant traction. What is the ability and how to customize and expand functionality for possible real-world applications? Was an important topic.
2.2 Automation for AI Model Validation
As AI models scale, the importance of automation in prompt engineering and validation processes cannot be overstated. My work in this area focused on reducing manual effort and enhancing accuracy, ensuring that AI applications remain efficient and reliable.
2.3 Setup and configurations
From setting up PostgreSQL containers with Podman to creating REST clients in Spring Boot, I emphasized making technical processes more approachable for everyone. Easy accessibility isn’t just about inclusivity—it’s about enabling everyone to get the change to realize their innovation at all levels.
3. Summary
2024 was a year of exploration and impact. Through these projects and posts, I connected with a vibrant community of developers and AI enthusiasts, learning from and contributing to a shared pool of knowledge. As I look forward to 2025, the excitement for new challenges and discoveries only grows. Visit my blog post archive for details 😉
I hope this was my last blog post for this year. Let’s see what’s next in 2025.
Happy Holiday Season and Greetings,
Thomas
#reflection, #2024, #innovation, #ai, #development, #automation
