LSBot is an AI assistant built specifically for Launch School students. You can chat with it directly like any other chatbot through Slack or the Launch School app. You can also use LSBot to get code reviews, receive hints on exercises, and answer comprehension check questions, all of which we will cover in this book.
LSBot combines a large language model with the Launch School curriculum to answer questions and assist with educational tasks. Beyond the curriculum, LSBot can draw on additional sources, including Reddit threads, past workshop recordings, interviews with Capstone graduates, and more. LSBot also knows where you are in the curriculum, which lets it provide answers that are relevant to your current context.
LSBot draws from two main types of information: what it knows about you and what it knows about Launch School.
When you use LSBot as a registered student, it knows your language track and which course you're enrolled in. This means you can make general requests like “Can you create 10 practice problems?” and LSBot will generate problems at the correct level, such as PY101 if that's your course.
LSBot does not have access to your grades or assessment results. It also cannot remember past conversations; it only knows the context of the current session.
LSBot can draw on the full Launch School curriculum, including:
LSBot also has access to select external resources:
With this wealth of knowledge, LSBot can assist with the Launch School curriculum and provide guidance on topics like Capstone or common student concerns.
We're constantly working to make LSBot better and more reliable. That said, there are some limitations:
LSBot makes mistakes. LSBot has strengths and weaknesses, and it doesn't always get things right. We'll explain why it's still a valuable tool despite errors and how to approach mistakes later in the book, but it's good to know upfront.
LSBot can't run code. While LSBot can often predict what code will do, it does this by reading and reasoning, not by executing it.
LSBot can't replace your peers. LSBot is a helpful study tool, but real-time practice with peers is still essential for getting comfortable during interviews and live coding. Make time for this as much as possible.
Your questions are private and won't be used to evaluate your performance.
Your questions are private and won't be used to evaluate your performance.