MS Ai Insider

Build a Local Generative AI Prototype in JavaScript Using Microsoft’s AI Toolkit and GitHub Models in VS Code

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June 12, 2025

Build a local Generative AI prototype using JavaScript with Microsoft’s AI Toolkit in VS Code. Explore GitHub’s open-source AI models, test them in a visual playground, and create a working app—all without cloud dependencies. Perfect for hands-on AI learning and fast prototyping. Unique :

Build Your Own Local Gen AI Prototype with JavaScript

Ready to dive into generative AI without relying on cloud services? Microsoft’s latest quest lets you build a local Gen AI app prototype using JavaScript. This hands-on guide walks you through exploring open-source models, testing them in a visual playground, and integrating AI directly in VS Code with the AI Toolkit extension.

What’s New: Local AI, No Cloud Needed

This quest is part of the JS AI Build-a-thon, where you can experiment with AI models right on your machine. No API keys, no cloud credits, just pure local inference. You’ll browse GitHub’s new Models catalog, run models locally, and convert a hand-drawn UI sketch into a working webpage—all inside Visual Studio Code.

“You’ll see what’s possible without relying on cloud infra.”

The focus is on speed, simplicity, and cost-efficiency. It’s perfect for developers curious about how generative AI works under the hood or those wanting a quick prototype without complex setups.

Major Updates: GitHub Models & AI Toolkit

GitHub Models – Your AI Toolbox

GitHub now features a built-in model explorer, offering hundreds of open-source AI models with detailed metadata. You can preview model responses right in your browser before writing a single line of code.

Model Playground – Experiment with Confidence

The Model Playground lets you tweak parameters like temperature and max tokens, helping you understand each model’s strengths and quirks. This instant feedback loop makes AI experimentation less guesswork and more fun.

AI Toolkit Extension – Turn VS Code into an AI IDE

The AI Toolkit extension is a game-changer. It integrates model browsing, prompt testing, fine-tuning, and app integration—all from your editor. Combine this with GitHub Copilot, your AI-powered pair programmer, and coding becomes a breeze.

“Copilot can help refactor your code, generate test cases, or even give you prompt suggestions.”

Why This Matters for Developers

Building AI apps locally means faster iteration without cloud delays or costs. You gain hands-on experience with open-source models, setting a solid foundation for real-world AI projects. Plus, the entire setup is simple—just a GitHub account, VS Code, Node.js, and the AI Toolkit extension.

Keep the Momentum Going

After completing the quest, dive deeper with curated resources on GitHub Models, prompt engineering, and AI app development. Microsoft also offers demo sessions and slide decks tailored for JavaScript developers eager to master generative AI.

Jump in now and discover how far JavaScript and local AI can take your projects. Join the JS AI Build-a-thon and connect with fellow builders on Discord to share ideas and get support.

Use GitHub Models catalog to browse and test hundreds of AI models with rich metadata.

Experiment with AI model parameters like temperature and max tokens in an interactive playground.

Integrate AI models seamlessly into JavaScript apps directly from VS Code with one click.

Leverage GitHub Copilot for AI-assisted coding, prompt suggestions, and code refactoring.

The AI Toolkit extension transforms VS Code into a powerful AI development environment.

From the Microsoft Developer Community Blog articles