Large language models like GPT-4, Claude, and DeepSeek might feel magical, but at their core they’re just predicting the next token in a sequence. In this video, we break down how transformers really work — from self-attention and multi-head mechanisms to MLPs, residual connections, and softmax. By the end, you’ll understand why this architecture still powers the most advanced AI models today.
🔗 Relevant Links
LLM Visualization by Brendan Bycroft: https://bbycroft.net/llm
Transformer Explainer: https://poloclub.github.io/transforme...
Vector Databases Video: • We Found the BEST Vector Database! (Testin...
❤️ More about us
Radically better observability stack: https://betterstack.com/
Written tutorials: https://betterstack.com/community/
Example projects: https://github.com/BetterStackHQ
📱 Socials
Twitter: / betterstackhq
Instagram: / betterstackhq
TikTok: / betterstack
LinkedIn: / betterstack
📌 Chapters:
0:00 Intro: The “Magic” of LLMs
01:05 LLM Visualization Intro
01:35 From Tokens to Vectors
01:55 Layer Normalization
02:37 Self-Attention: How Tokens Weigh Each Other
03:30 Multi-Head Attention: Parallel Perspectives
03:52 Residual Connections
04:09 Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP)
05:15 Golden Gate Claude
06:13 Monosemantic vs Polysemantic Neurons
06:40 Stacking Transformer Blocks for Depth and Power
07:54 From Logits to Words with Softmax
08:24 Temperature: Controlling Creativity
09:32 Modern Optimizations: FlashAttention, MoE, RoPE, SwiGLU
10:45 Conclusion: Not Magic, Just Math